1897 Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence

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Description: 1897 Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. Edited by Charles Taze Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Society. The magazine is now entitled The Watchtower and published by Jeh...

1897 Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. Edited by Charles Taze Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Society. The magazine is now entitled The Watchtower and published by Jehovah's Witnesses.

(c) Copyright 2000 Research Applications International.

VOL. XVIII

ALLEGHENY,

PA.,

JANUARY

1, 1897

No. 1

VIEW

FROM

THE

TOWER

of faithfulness to the truth, denied themselves and endured We wish the WATCH TOWER readers, all and everywhere, a hungerings, thirstings, privations and. loss of friends, and yet, And whether or not they get very happy New Year-1897. though poor, they made many rich (2 Cor. 6: 10) with the the fulfillment of our wish depends almost exclusively upon true riches of grace-“godliness with contentment,” “great themselves, individually,-in the cases of those who belong gain,” which the world can neither give, nor take away. In fully to the Lord, by a full heart consecration, a full selfevery condition these may hear the Word of God saying,surrender to his will, as expressed in his Word. “All things are yours, . . . . for ye are Christ’s, and Christ Circumstances may change, hopes or health may fail, is God’s” trusted friends may become cool or even become enemies, “Why should the children of the King poverty and lack of life’s necessities may stare some in the Go mourning all their days P” face; vet none of these. nor all of them. should thev fall The Christian’s secret of a happy life lies in his knowing to ouriot, need hinder the true Christian from having a happy and trusting the heavenly Father and the heavenly Brideyear. groom. Even worldly physicians, skeptics, are coming to recTo the worldly this will be both impossible and incompreognize the fact that the peace of God ruling in and keeping hensible; for the world has no sources of comfort and peace the heart is not only an excellent medicine, but a great and joy other than the creature-comforts of the present life. preservative of health. How many, looking back, can see When deprived of these they have nothing but misery and that not only their spiritual but also their physical health despair; and these evils are only increased as knowledge and has improved since they found the Lord “a very present help” refinement increase the appreciation of earthly good things. in time of trouble! If they had nervous troubles which forHence the remarkable increase of suicides in recent years, merly caused them sleepless nights and haggard looks,. and especially in the most civilized lands, and wherever civilizawhich almost unfitted them for life’s duties and responsibrlrties, tion extends;-for instance, in Japan, where it is said that they have doubtless found some improvement since they have the average of suicides per year is over seven thousand. Reheard the voice saying,specting suicides here and in Great Britain the Rev. P. S. “Cast all your care upon the Lord, for he careth for Henson, D. D. (Baptist) of Chicago said recently in a seryouJ’-1 Pet. 5 :7. mon:“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed “There never was such unrest in the world as now. The upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.“-1 What is the old world is threatened with an upheaval. John 3:l. matter with New York and Chicago? Humanity is not con“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth People are going mad faster than stituted to be satisfied. them that fear [reverence] him.“-Psa. 103:13. you can build mad-houses to put them in. In London the “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart.“suicides number ten a day [3,600 a year], New York is not Psa. 31: 24. much better. There was never such unrest. What the world “The Lord is mv Shepherd, I shall not want . . . . his wants, the rich want, all classes want, is Jesus Christ.” But the child of God has other than earthlv friends and goodness and mercy-shall ‘follow me all the days of my life, 23 ~6. and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.“-Psa. joys and hopes and prospects. He is rich, whaiever his outTrue, the exceeding great and precious promises of God’s ward condition may appear; rich in the fact that his debt of Word may not hinder us from feeling pain, but they will modsin has been paid for him; rich in the assurances of God’s ify the pain and its frequency. Physicians are of one opinion Word that his present experiences are all under the superon this subject, that the mind, the brain, the nervous center vision of divine wisdom and love, and are all being overruled of our being, exercises a great influence over all of our physifor his highest good (Rom. 8:28) ; rich in joy and hope cal sensations, either an aggravating or a pacifying influence. through the present trials and experiences faithfully and paTruly did Solomon, the wise, say that the Lord’s word is a tiently endured. God is preparing him for future honors, valuable “medicine.“-Prov. 3 : 8. and so he is enabled to reckon those trials which once would But we have said that these blessings come through knowhave utterly crushed him as “light afflictions which are but ing and trustSing God: some fail to get the blessings because for a moment,” and which, faithfully accepted, “will work of a lack of knowledge; others having the knowledge lack the out a far more exceedina and eternal weight of olorv.” Thus trust, the faith; still others, and they are probably in the he looks, not at the tr&sitory things that are”see”n, but at majority among consecrated Christians, enjoy a small measure the invisible and eternal things. Thus, like Moses of old, he endures as seeing him who is invisible, a present help in every of these blessings when they might have them in abundant Whatever he may possess of earthly luxury measure by a more thorough knowledge of God through his time of trouble. Word (accompanied, of course, with obedience to the spirit and comfort he accepts with gratitude, realizing himself not more deserving than millions less favored. Whatever he may of their knowledge) and by the exercise of greater trust in tho Faithful Promiser. lack, he reflects that the faithful of every age have been reWe exhort all the consecrated TOWER readers to join with quired to “endure hardness as good soldiers,” and that our blessed Saviour and his noble apostles, in choosing the course us at the beginning of the New Year, in a remembrance and [2083] (3-4)

G-6)

ZION’S

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TOWER perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.“-2 Cor. 7: 1. And whoever would have success in carrying out the fore going resolves should not only make the engagement at the throne of the heavenly grace, but should at all times and under all circumstances preserve the spirit of thankfulness and prayer. As the Apostle expresses it, he should “pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.” For what son is he that the father chasteneth not? If ye be without chastisements and lessons, then are ye not sons. The heavenly Father chastens for correction. everv son whom he receives.

renewal of our covenant with the Lord,-to be obediently and lovingly h&, in thought, word and deed-and in harmony therewith, and to the intent that we may enjoy his blessings to our fullest capacity and under all conditions, let us put on the armor of truth and righteousness; fastenmg the same upon us with the graces of the spirit. As an assistance we suggest as a text to be remembered and practiced daily, the words of the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 7 : 1) “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,

PULPIT,

PLEASE

TAKE

NOTICE

’

-

The WATOII TOWEB is the Editor’s general pulpit. As he does not desire to preach to any except willing hearers, it is as proper that the WATCA TOWER should stop at the end of your subscription as that he should cease to be pastor of the Allegheny Church if not selected in December, therefore, except in very exceptional cases, the paper will be stopped at the

end of the subscription year. All who wish the TOWEB for 1897 should send word at once. The terms are so liberal as to leave no excuse. It is provided free t-o the Lord’s poor who send a card each year stating the fact. Those who can pay later, will please send a card so stating. By responding promptly you will save us much trouble.

“ALL

THE

ISRAEL
If

OF GOD”
OLD TESTAMENT PEOOFS OF THIS FACT

A Brother writes: I have been in the habit of sneaking of the true church as spiritual Israel; recently the propriety of so doing has been called in question by certain “advanced teachers” who claim that since the time of Rehoboam the name Israel is Scripturally applied to the revolting ten tribes onlv. I have looked UD the ouestion in You&s Concordance. hut find nothing sati&actor$ I cannot fin; that the term Spiritual Israel is used a single time in the Bible. Please give us some help on this question. \%‘e reply: We are aware that there are a few who confine the term Israel to the ten tribes which revolted from Rehoboam and the two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) which upheld him. And thev have an obiect in so doing,-thev have a theory about the -ten tribes hiving been ‘Llos<i’ and” claim that thev have now “found” them:-that the E’nelish-sneaking people of the world are the ten iost tribes-Targel. EL&hly patriotzsm no doubt has much to do with the theory in those who have not taken a strong enough hold upon the heavenly citizenship. Although we also are Saxons accordiner to the flesh, yet- we have &rncd that as there is neither 3ew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female, in Christ Jesus, so there is neither French nor English, German nor Spaniard; for all who are in Christ are one “royal priesthood”’ a holy nation, a peculiar people, of which Christ is the Head. The spread of British influence during the past century and a half has indeed been remarkable; but let us not forget that similarly Spain “ran over the wall” three centuries ago, and ruled much of North America. all of Central and South America, ant1 many of the isles of’ the sea; and that her language still dominates a territory almost or quite as extensive as that in which English is the prevailing tongue. Did Spanish If not, why should Angloprosperity prove them to be Israel? Saxon prosperity bc recognized as a foundation for such an assumption 1 The rudeavo~ to uphold ttir theory (which is not even a “truditiou of the elders”) seemingly blinds those who become Interested 111it, so that they ignore, and apparently cmwmt see the pl.liu teaching of the Scriptures on this subject,-Israel. The fact ir that the phrase, “ten lost tribes”’ cannot .be found m the liible: it ran onlv be found in the writinns of those who have atlol~tecl t h(b tlu~ory ]Jy which they are blin&ng themselves. h’or 1. 111f*tram. “lost Isiael,” nor any analogous expression, found III the S;c~ril’tul VP. Thr expression, “lost sheep of the house of Ih~a(*l,” twice used by our Lord (Matt. 10:6; 15:24), has no rcfciencc to lost fribss, but to individuals who had wand1~1rr1 from the l~orcl and were lost in the wilderness of sin ant1 drlrl~?ICSS. As i* well known to Bible studcuts, there was a split in the twelve tribes for four hundred years,-ten tribes separating from the k~ng’s tribr. Judah, on the ground of kingly oppression. It was natural enough that at the time of the revolt of the ten tribcn the name lsrael should be held by the majority, while Rehoboam’s kingdom was naturally known as Judah, the name of his tribe, which constituted the majority of his supporters,-the tribe of Benjamin being very insignificant in numbers. This distinction continued for several centuriesuntil the captivity of Babylon. The ten tribes were captured first, and their people scattered throughout Babylonia; the two trihrq (.Jutlah and Beniamin) were cantured later. and were similarly scattered in” Babylon. From that time the nride and rivalrv between the two divisions of Israel grew jeas and less. common adversity made them feel their-kinship again, and the name Israel became, as at first. the common name for “the ‘cholc house of Israel.”

in the Old Testament writings which recount the return from the Babylonian captivity we find the returning ones no longer recognizing themselves as two nations (Judah and Israel); but, on the contrary, find the whole people spoken of as one, and called “Zmael.” “the twelve tribes of Israel.” etc., it is -proof positive that ‘the two sticks (representing the divided people-Ezek. 37:16, 20) had become reunited in Babylon before the return from the Babylonian Captivity. Indeed, as already shown,* the proclamation of King Cyrus releasing the captivity proves that at that time the petty Jealousies between the two divisions had subsided, and that the two parts had again become one nation with the common name Israel ; for the proclamation ignored Judah entirely, and was to all the peopie of the Lord God of Israel. And, as already shown,* neonle of various tribes did return to Palestine, although. thi tribe of Judah appears to have been specially loyal to the city and land; probably because to that tribe belonged the kingly promise, and because the “scepter” of influence, by divine intention, was to remain with that tribe until “Shiloh” should come. Besides, the ten tribes had gone into captivity more than one hundred years earlier, and their children had become more settled and rooted in the various parts of Media and Babylon than the tribe of Judah, a few of whose youth, who had seen the city of Jerusalem and the temple, lived long enough to return. However, many people-the vast majority-of the various tribes, including Judah and Benjamin, although reverent toward God and his worship, did not return to reside in Palestine. The total number of those who returned of all Israel was less than fifty-five thousand, whereas we have’ reason to suppose that “Judah” numbered several hundred thousand at the time of the captivity, and the ten tribes still more.-See 2 Chron. 28:6, 8: 15. Even before the captivity a fellowship had sprung up between the people of the two divisions, so that when Josiah. king of Judah, instituted reforms, repaired the temple and made the great Passover celebration, the remnalzt of the ten tribes (for the mass had gone into captivity nearly a centur: before) joined in the work of repairing, by contributing money. etc., and joined in the feast of Passover at Jerusalem. (See 2 Chron. 24:9, 10; 25:18) And at a still earlier date the piously inclined of the ten tribes left their king and allied themselves with the tribe of Judah, and were known as “Jews.” -2 Chron. 15:9. The record of the return from the captivity is given by Ezra and Nehemiah; and if the breach were not already healed it would show itself in their accounts. But as Cyrus set free “all the people of the God of Israel,” so the records show that Ezra and Nehemiah and the people regarded themselves 2x3 Israel. Let each one prove this for himself, by turning to and noting their use of the words “children of Israel,” “people of Israel”’ “tribes of Israel”’ “all Israel,” and the offering of sacrifices for all Israel, according to the twelve tribes, in the following passages :Ezra 2:2, 69, 70; 3:1, 11; 4:3; 6:16, 17; 7:7, 11, 13, 28; 8:25, 35; 10:5, 10. Nehemiah 1:6: 2:lO: 7:7. 61. 73: 9:1, 2; 10:33, 39; 11:3, 20; 12:47; 13:3,‘18. ’ ’ ’ ’ NEW TESTAMNNT PROOFS THAT ISRAEL WAS NOT TEN TRIBES, BUT TWELVE, AnTneWtyrrccLoat In the Days of Our Lord and the Aeoetles lost sheeD of the house of Israel”’ twrce used . by our Lord. (Matt. IO:6 ; 15:24) most positively contradicts the theory that the ten tribes were lost in the days of our Lord’s first advent; and also contradicts the thought that the
l

See MILLENNIAL

DAWN,

VOL.

II,

Chap.

8.

120841

rANVARY1, 1897

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WATCH

TOWER

(6-i)

term “Israel” 1u)w belong8 to the telt tribe8 only. Read the passages cited, and see that the “lost sheep” were in&i&dualsnot tribes, and that Israel was not lost, because Christ had come to the only Israel whom he recognized, and, with his diecioles for three and a half vears. he went throunh “the cities o~~Z8roeZ” seeking therein ““the0 lost sheep of ?he house of Israel.“-Matt. 10 :23. That the term “Jew” had come to be synonymous with the term “Israel” is proved by the fact that those terms are repeatedly used interchangeably. For instance, Pilate wrote for the cross-“Jesus, the King of the Jews,‘; while the soldiers and others mocked, saying, Let Christ, “the King of Israel.” come down from the cross-See Matt. 27 :42 : Mark. X:32: Nathaniel was an “Israelite indeed”’ and his testimony to our Lord was. “Thou art the King of Zerael.” (John 1:47-42.) The people never thought about a king of Judah, but rather, when the Lord rode on the ass as King in fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah, the eople strewed the way with palm &lessed is the King of Israel.” branches, etc., shouting, (John 12:13) Neither were the disciples thinking of Judah ae a kingdom; for they asked the Lord, “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Zsrael?” And talking over the matter on-the way to Emmaus they said, sorrowfuliy and We trusted that it had been he which disaunointedlv.-“ (Luke should have “redeemed [recovered, delivered] Israel.” 24:21; Acts 1:6) Is it reasonable to think that these all erred in their choice of language and said Israel but meaA Judah ? No! but it is proof positive that thev recognized no “lost” tribes, but a reunited- Israel-part “d?spersed among the Gentiles.” but comine to Jerusalem occasionallv to keen the national’festivals, an8 part at home in the 1and”of Israei, in the cities of Israel, also trodden under foot by the Gentiles. The angel, when directing Joseph to return from Egypt with Marv and the infant Jesus, said, “Go into the land of And the Apostle Matthew says, “He arose, and . . . . Israel.” (Matt. 2:20, 21) Were the came into the land of Israel.‘, angel and the apostle mistaken? What would they answer present-day teachers who would say to them, “You were mistaken, the land of Israel was then Great Britain and Ireland, and the savages of those islands were the true Israelites, and they had the only genuine king of Israel represented in ‘King Fergus’ or some of his posterity, and today represented by Queen Victoria ?” John the Baptist, when introducing Christ, declared that his ministry was’to Israel. (John 1:3i) His ministry surely was to the Jews: and if thev are not Israel John was mistaken and told ah untruth: Get the power of God was upon him from his mother’s womb; and there never was a rester If John erre r!i how , (Luke 7:28; Matt. 11:ll) prophet. great a prophet must he be who could be relied upon to correct him? Our Lord sent his disciples throughout Palestine to seek “the lost sheen of the house of Israel”’ and he went also himself to “all-the cities of Israel,” and when commending the faith of the Gentile centurion, he said, “I have not found SO great faith,-no, not in Israel.” And, addressing Nicodemus, he called him “a ruler in ZmaeZ.” Was our Lord mistaken? Had he missed the place in not going to the British isles? Or shall we not conclude that those who would pervert these plain testimonies of Scripture to support a theory are greatly mistaken P “Let God be true !”
APOSTOLIU TESTIMONY RESPECTING ISRAEL

The Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost, preaching the gospel under the influence of the holy spirit, addressed himself to the Jews. saving. “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth,” a-man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the micEst of you, as ye yourselves know: him . . . ye [men of Israel] have taken, and bv wicked hands have crucified and slain. . . . . Therefore, let ill the house of Israel know that God hath made that same Jesus. whom z/e rmen of Israel1 have crucified, both Lord and Christ.“-Acts 2:22, 23; 36. John was with Peter at the healing of the impotent man, a few days after the above discourse, and therefore joined in Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this?” the statement,-“ (Acts 3:12) The same two were together preaching a few days later, when they were arrested and agreed in the testimony of Peter recorded in Acts 4:8, 10: “Peter, filled with the holy ;;FirLtZ, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people and elders of . . . be it known unto you and unto all the people etc. Evidently these apostles knew nothing about of I8r’L+ any “lost ten tribes” nor of any other people than the Jews Further along, verse 27, a entitled to the name Israel. prophecy which specifies Israel is quoted as fulillled by the III-12 [2086]

Jews, in the crucifixion of Christ; and proves to whom the name Israel belongs in prophecy. All the apostles were together when %ll the senate of the children of Z8ra.0 convened, and Gamaliel, a leading doctor of the law (of whose pupils Saul of Tarsus was one). a man noted among the people for his learning, showed that’i’f Israel were lost he did not know of it. for he said to all the senate of the children of Israel, not,. Ye men of Judah, but, “Ye men of Zsrael,” etc.-Acts 6:21. 36. The Apostle Paul, one of ‘the learned men of his day, and one of the most exact and logical men of any day, did not know of it if the ten tribes were “lost”’ and surely thought quite the contrary, as is proved by the following statements of his respecting Israel : He went to Ant&h in Pisidia-among the Gentiles-and had no trouble in finding the “dispersed” Israelites, “the twelve tribes scattered abroad”’ and their synagogue; and getting opportunity to speak to the people (being recognized by the ruler of the synagogue as a man of education) he said, “Men of Israel, and ye [Gentiles] that fear God, give audience: The God of this people of Zsrael chose our fathers; . . God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour; Jesus, when John [the Baptist1 had first preached before his coming [manifestation] the baptism of repentance to al2 the people of I8ra.el.” (Acts 13:16, 17, 23, 24) In verses 43, 46 and 50 these “men of Israel” are called by the common name by which all Israelites are known today; namely, Jews. And it is worthy of note that, while a small band of Jews recently returned to Palestine claim to be of the tribe of Dan and another band claim to be of the tribe of Gad, yet, as a rule, the Jews today do not know from which of the twelve tribes they spring-so completely have the twelve tribes amalgamated into one nation. When Paul returned to Jerusalem after several years absence among Gentiles, and especially among the people of Israel scattered abroad and dwelling everywhere among the Gentiles as today, he went into the temple and was recognized; and a tumult was raised by a man crying out: “Men of Israel, help ! ” etc. (Acts 21:28) That Jew evidently thought the same as all the rest, that Israel was again a united nation, and that all Jews were now, as before the rebellion,-“men of Israel.” When Paul pleaded his cause before King Agrippa, he said, “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee, . . . . especially because Z know thee to be expert ire all customs and questions which are among the Jews.” When therefore he said, “Our twelve tribes instantly serving God, day and night, hope to come” to the promises which God made to our fathers, it proves conclusively that neither the Jewish scholar and lawyer, Paul, nor the well-informed Roman governor had any knowledge of the ten tribes being longer separated from the two tribes; nor did they know that the ten tribes were “lost ;” nor did they in any manner or degree recognize the then heathen savages of the British isles as any part of the twelve tribes; for of the latter he expressly says, that they were serving God and hoping in the promi.?e made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Acts 26:2, 3, 7) The Epistle to the Hebrew8 was written to those same “twelve tribes instantlv serving God” and hoping; especially such as were Israelites ‘indeed and had accepted Christ : it is applicable therefore also to all those who from among the Gentiles have been grafted into the promises of God to Abraham, by union with Christ, the true, faithful “seed ” Similarly, the Epistle of James was addressed to the ‘“twelve tribes scattered abroad.“-James 1: 1, 2. In his epistle to the Roman3 the Apostle Paul has much to say about Zsrael having rejected Christ and thus having brought blindness upon himself, unquestionably referring to the rejection and crucifixion of Christ hv the Jews. “all Z8roeZ.” He points out that so it was foretold by the prophets, and thus shows that the prophets are in accord with thn’8 fulfilment; and that they. when speaking of Israel. have no reference to our savage “forefathers who; when found by “Saint Patrick” and “Saint Augustine.” were totallv devoid of knowledge of Jehovah, and of-Moses and the law, <and of David, and of Solomon, and of the prophets, and of all expectation of a Messiah. Such total ignorance and forgetfulness are not supless in posable in any people, even in longer period;-much Israelites who never lose their respect for Abraham and circumcision, nor for Moses and the law-even when they hecome “free-thinkers.” The Apostle then proceeds to show that it is the same Israel that was blinded because of rejecting Christ that is to be saved from that blindness at the second coming of Christ. (Compare Rom. 9:27, 31-33; 10: 1-3; 11:2, 7, 15:24-28) Is it supposable that if there were another lsrsel recognized by

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ALLEGHENY,

PA.

the holy Spirit and the Apostle they would have been ignored in the comprehensive statement of the entire Dlan of God from first ti last, given in this wonderful and ldgical Epistle to the Romans ? It is not SuDDosable! Furthermore, the Israelite %ording to the flesh who would lay claim to anything under God’s covenant with Abraham must indicate his adherence to that covenant by observing If, therefore, it could be proved the ordinance of circumcision. that the Anglo-Saxon people have any Israelitish blood in their veins (and we deny that this has been proved), we may know that from the time they failed to perform the Israelitish ordinance of circumcision, that long they have been cut off from all share in the promises made to Israel. The law on this subject is found in Genesis 17:14 and is very explicit. It says: “The uncircumcised man child . . . . shall be cut off from his people [from Israel-shall no longer be an inheritor of the promises made to Israel; for in neglecting thus to indicate his fealty to the covenant]; HE HATH
BROKEX MY COVENANT.”

So then, if it could be proved that the Anglo-Saxons are descendants of Abraham (which we deny), it would avail nothing for them; for, having been uncircumcised for two thousand years, or as far back as their history extends, the covenant of God Zliould be broken, so far as they were concerned, and they could inherit nothing under it. Neglect. of circumcision by an Israelite constituted him an alien, a foreigner to the covenant of Dromise-a Gentile. therefore, respecting the blessing upon OIur conclusion, the Anglo-Saxon people is that, whoever their fathers may have been, they have no hope for any divine favor or blessing a4 Israelites according to the flesh; for such they are not. Their blessinp has resulted from the fact that some of them became men&ers of the body of Christ-the higher, the spiritual Israel ; and that a larger number have been blessed thlouph the influence of these, and become members of “the household of faith:” and that in general the light of the gospel, and the spirit of liberty whi& it, always iEduces, has been shed abroad abundantlv unon that neon&-bring with it great responsibilities, as wkll ‘as great ‘b&sings. o
SPIRITUAL ISRAEL

Freed from snme false conceptions on the subject, we come now to our correspondent’s piincipal questionL“Is there a sDiritua1 Israel which has taken the nlace of natural Israel? And, if so, Why cannot I find frequint references to her in the Scriptures ?” We answer, There is a spiritual Israel, but she has not taken the place of the fleshly Israel: her hopes are spiritual, not earthly; they are built upon heavenly or spiritual promises, not unon earthlv nromises: thev are therefore called bv the inspirid writers ““Getter promise&” Nor does spiritual fsrael desire to take the lace of fleshly Israel: rather, she rejoices v that, although flesh P Israel for the nast eighteen centuries and more have Been treited as enernie; of GGd and blinded, for spiritual Israel’s sake, yet the time is coming when’ she (fleshly Israel) shall obtain mercy through spiritual Israel’s mercy and inherit the chief earthly blessing as the natural Seed of Abraham, when spiritual Israel, with Christ Jesus her Lord. shall have been exalted to heavenlv YUelorv.Rom. 1 11:25-30.’ Some who see that Christ and his church, “his body” or “bride.” constitute the real seed of promise (Gal. 3: 16, 29) are blinded to the fact that, there is also an earthly “seed” which through Christ shall inherit earthly good thi.ngs of divine favor, and br used also in blessing all the famllles of the earth; & earthly representatives of %he spiritual (seed) Israel. Durinz this GO~DP~ ace the “elect” church is constituted the seec by being’join& to mChrist Jesus as his bride or joint-heir. During the next age fleshly Israel will be favored nith the oppnrtunity to be the first-born of the children of Christ-who, as “ the man Christ Jesus,” gave his human

life for them and for all of Adam’s race; and will give the human life, thus purchased, to all who will receive it (by restitution) under the New Covenant-“to the Jew first.” There is the best of reasons, therefore, for the holy Spirit by the apostles not wholly appropriating the name Israel to spiritual Israel: it will be wanted later on by the natural seed. We do, however, find just what we should expect with a proper view before our minds; namely, the suggestion that the Gospel church is the higher Israel, the spiritual, which gets blessings which natuial Israel never possessed, but which she was given the first opportunity to possess, and failed to obtain through unbelief and lack of consecration.-See Rom. 11: 7 : 9 : 31. 32. For instance, the Apostle (l- &or. 10:18) mentions the customs of the Jews, and calls them “Israel after the flesh,” which implies a spiritual Israel, or Israel after the spirit; especially when he draws a comparison, as here, between their customs and our higher. more sniritual customs and arrangements. Again (2 “Co; 3:7, 1’3-18) he refers to Israel’s Law Covenant and Israel’s mediator, Moses, and the vail he put on to hide the glory, and shows that those who are only fleshl?! Israel are still hindered from seeing anything moie -than- the vail, the outtiard, the ceremonial, while we (spiritual Israel) mav see with onen face the glory of the -Lord, and be ‘chang*ed into the s&e glory as his joint-heirs. “Nevertheless,” the Apostle declares, “when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away” from the eyes of Israel after the flesh;-after spiritual Israel has been selected and changed to the Lord’s glory. Again (Gal. 6: 16) the Apostle evidently refers to spiritual Israel, when he speaks of “the Israel of God.” Again (Eph. 2:12, 13), writing to the church concerning the time when they were Gentiles, he says: “At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of are Israel, and stranger:; . . . . but now . . . . ye . . . made nigh by the blood of Christ.” This means that by God’s grace the middle wall of partition has been broken down, and that the new creatures in Christ are made sharers of those spiritual blessings and opportunities first offered to fleshly Israel. Indeed, that we net the choicest portion of blesscng proffered to. fleshly Isravel is clearly stated by the same writer. (Ram. 11: 17-24) He describes our relationship to the promises under’ the illustration of an olive tree, whose natural branches have been broken off, and into which wild olive branches have been grafted, and whose natural branches may yet later be reengrafted. The Gospel church, as the engrafted branches, are partaking of all the fat and richness of the root-the Abrahamic promise. Evidently, then, these engrafted branches constitute sDiritua1 Israel. Besides, have we not on a higher or spiritual plane all that Israel after the flesh ever had ? Thev came under a covenant with God-the Law Covenant seal& with the blood of bulls and goats: we come into covenant relationship to God under the New Covenant+ sealed with the orecious blood of Christ. They had a mediator between Go&and themMoses: we have a better “Mediator between God and menthe man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all.” They had typical sacrifices for sins: we have the “better sacrifices”-the real, efficacious sin-offering. They had a priesthood under a high priest, and holy places made with hands, with their vails, candlestick, table of shew bread and a golden altar and incense and a mercy seat: we have the realities therein typified ; for the fullness is of Christ “Israel of God,” the the antitypical (Head and body), “royal priesthood,” the promised seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We might multiply such proofs which clearly identify the true church as the higher or spiritual Israel, but more is unnecessary. He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear! * See June 15, 1919, issue, for critical examination of New Covenant.

RENEWED
Come, let us anew our journey pursue, Roll round with the vear. And never stand still tiil the Master appear. HiS adorable will let us gladly fulfill, And our tnlcnts improve, J3y the patience of hop, and the labor of love.

DEVOTEDNESS
Our life, as a dream, our time, as a stream Glides swiftly away, And the fugitive moments we would not delay. Haste, haste ye along, dark moments be gone, For the Jubilee year Rushes on to our view, and its dawn is now here.

0 at close of our day may each of us say, “I have fought my way through; I have finished the work thou didst give me to do!” 0 that each from his Lord may receive the glad word, “Well and faithfully done! Enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne!” [2086]

--Charles

Wesley.

THE STANDPOINT
“Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty:

OF THE

FUTURE
33:17.

they shall behold the land that is very far off.“-Isa.

Such a course of conduct is one squared by those prinIt is always the part of wisdom to regard the present ciples of truth and riehteousness to which ultimate victorv from the standpoint of the future, and to regulate the conis* assured through ChFist, whose r&n of righteoushess will duct of the present with a view to worthy future possifully establish them in the earth, so that the will of God bilities. Any other conception of life, or any other course will then be done on earth as it is done in heaven. in life, is unworthy of the dignity of man and dishonoring Such a man, the prophet further assures us, is fireproof even in to his Maker who endowed him with those mental qualities this day of trial, when the fire is trying every man’s work of reason and judgment which, if used, place him far above of what sort it is. He shall dwell in the midst of the dethe plane of a mere animal life of present gratification. vouring fire and the lasting burnings of this day of wrath, The beasts that perish may indeed properly live for the which shall burn until all opposition to God and his righteous Dresent onlv, but not so man who was created in the image way is consumed. (Isa. 33: 14) And not only shall these. bf God, anh: with the possibilities of eternal life and everlike the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace, come out of Howbeit. though that imwe was lasting bliss before him. the flames without even the smell of fire upon them, but they marred by the fall, yet, having ‘been iedeemed from the shall come out of every such fiery trial triumphantly. “He fall, the full restoration of that image is made possible shall dwell on high [in the place of divine favor] : his place by the assistance of divine grace; and it is only in the of defense shall be the strongholds of rocks [in the Rock endeavor, in harmony with the divine directions, to regain of Ages] : bread shall be g&en him, his waters shall be that image, by daily overcoming sin, that true manhood sure ;” for “no erood thiner will God withhold Otherwise, if any man from them can be ressserted and maintained. that- walk uprighutly,” even’ in this present life while the) persist in ignoring the future possibilities of worthy mantread this valley of humiliation and vale of tears.-Vs. 16; hood, and, like the beasts that perish, live only for present Psa. 84: 11. gratification, then, like the beasts, he too will be esteemed It is to these, also that the words of our text are adof God unworthv of eternal existence, and must die. This dressed : “Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they verdict, however; will not be passed upon any until divine shall behold the land that is very far off.” “The land that love and mercv and disciDline have utterlv failed to imis very far off” is not visible to the natural eye; but to the pleyis upon the” heart a tiue sense of the dignity of maneye of faith, looking through the telescope of God’s Word, hood, and the obligation of honoring God in rising to that it is a glorious vision. There is the Kinp in his beautv dignity by his assisting grace. reigning Pn power and great glory, and wyth him all h& But here the question arises, How far into the future elect. crowned at his side. There in the haDDV condition shall we look to find the standpoint from which to view That, brought about by the victory of t&h and LAihteousness, and properly estimate the things of the present? In some inwhen all tears are wiped away. There the will of God is we answer, must depend upon circumstances. done on earth as it is done in heaven, and peace and everstance5 we need to look only an instant ahead; while in lasting joy are upon all heads. There the hitherto desert others a week, or a year, or a few years, as indicated by earth blossoms as the rose; for there is no more curse. And the time necessary to develop the project. In infancy we there the lion and the lamb shall lie down together, and a learn by experience to look a just a &ort distance ahead, little child shall lead them; and there shall be nothing to reasoni& that it is best not to Dut the hand into the fire, hurt nor to offend in all that holy kingdom.-Isa. 11:9. because The fire will surely burn igain, as it did yesterday; Oh, what a vision of rest and peace, of glory and blessthat this or that disobedience will bring the censure of ing, of joyful fellowship, of deathless love, of unsullied purity parents or teachers, while the opposite will bring approval; and unending bliss ! Who, but. those who have caught a and by and by childish plans are formed and carried forglimpse of its glory, can estimate its power to inspire to ward with a view to anticipated results in the near fuholy zeal, to earnest endeavor, and to Datient endurance of ture. In maturer years wider plans are formed with a view all-the losses and crosses of the path of-discipline that leads to desirable results a few years hence; as, for instance, to it? It is no matter of surDrise that not all who name plans for fame, or fortune, or for the good of others-the the name of Christ are filled with the inspiration of this training up of children to noble manhood and womanhood, blessed vision; for but few, even of those w-ho theoretically etc. - know these things. reallv behold the vision. and bv faith In all this there is a measure of wisdom; but the man realize that they-have a $lace in it. Only those who”do the whose thoupht and Dlannine. either for himself or others, will of God can thus know of the doctrine-as a guide and is based up& the st&dpoi&.of the future of this life only, inspiration to the perfecting of holiness in the fear of the is not a wise man in God’s estimation, however wise he Lord. Only such can really see afar off with a realizing may appear in the eyes of his fellowmen; as it is written, sense that what God hath spoketi he is abundantly able also “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 to perform. Only such can have the inspiration of such a It is not, therefore, the standpoint of the Cor. 3:19) faith. If thou art a faithful doer of the Word of God, and future of this life only that should be a criterion of present not a hearer only, then, even now “thine eyes” of faith shall valuation with those who would be truly wise, but the standcatch the inspiration of the glory to be revealed, and thy point of a possible destiny in the life which is to come, steps shall be quickened in the paths of righteousness. and which may be eternal if we so wisely and prudently The Apostle Peter reiterates the same truth in a negaIt is conduct ourselves as to prove worthy of eternal life. tive form, when, after enumerating the virtues of the truly to the future standpoint of a possible eternal life and righteous character, he adds,-“but he that lacketh these blessedness and to the glorious consummation of the divine things is blind, and cannot see afar off.” (2 Pet. 1:8) That Dlan. that the Scriptures invite the attention of all the peois, he cannot see them as an inspiring and impelling power, We A are shown that God has a wise and ble ‘of God. though he may know of them theoretically, and hold the benevolent Dlan for all his creatures, both in heaven and truth even in unrighteousness. (Rom. 1: 18) It is only ages in earth; ihat the plan is wide and deep, requiring those who truly love righteousness, and whose dailv walk and for its fulfilment; that the victory of that plan is assured; conversation are therefore in harmony with the p;inciples of that it will culminate in that glorious victory at the end righteousness, who can be in any m&sure inspired with the will be of Christ’s Millennial reign ; and that its victory vision of faith of the ultimate victor of truth and riehteousthe victory of truth and righteousness. ness and its firm establishment in ill the earth. WKo is so The trulv wise man is the man who takes all this into blind to the glories of righteousness as the man who is out of account, acc&tinrr bv faith all of the divine revelation conharmony with any of its principles? Can he who glories in cerning’ it, <ho, -in” this faith, makes and pursues all his oppression rejoice- in the assurance that “the oppre&or shall nlans. both for himself and others, with the ends of ulticease,” and that the gain of oppression shall perish ? Can he &ii; victory and eternal life in &ew; and who therefore who despises the truth rejoice in the promise that the knowlseeks daily to become more and more established and conedge of the truth shall fill the whole earth as the waters cover firmed in righteousness. the sea ? Can he who hates his brother rejoice in the assurSuch a man the Prophet Isaiah describes as one that ance that none shall have eternal life save those in whose “walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; that despiseth hearts is written the law of love? No; to thus by faith behold the gain of oppression [refusing to be profited by any unafar off the blessed land of rest and peace, all radiant with the righteous scheme] ; that shaketh his hands from holding glory of the King in his beauty (Rev. 21 :ll, 23-25; 22:4, 5), of bribes [that cannot, by any consideration, be hribed to the heart must be in sympathy with that glory and that do evil], that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood [from beautv of holiness. No matter bow much we mav know about any scheme of oppression that would cause a brother’s blood it, we’ cannot thus see it, unless, as both the p&phet and the to cry unto God for venpeanceJ, and shutteth his eyes from apostle assure us, we are lovers of righteousness-doers of seeinK evil [from beholding evil approvingly, or with quiet the word, and not hearers only. acquiescencel .“-Isa. 33 : 15. L20571

(X1-12)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLEGHENY,

Ph

There is a note of solemn warning in these words of the Apostle, which all would do well to carefully consider; for not only does he aflirm that the one lacking righteousness cannot see afar off, but he further states that he is blindblind even to things near as well as afar off. A little reflection will show how very true this is; for there is a philosophy in the cowhe of life which constantly tends either toward ultimate perfection, or toward ultimate degradation and ruin, according as the ways of righteousness or sin are pursued. The two principles, good and evil, tend to exactly oppo*ite results, and their opposite fruits mature on the philoqophicnl principles of cause and effect. Consequently, .~a the -1postle declares, only a blind man-a man mentally blin~le~l or deceived so that he cannot perceive the fruits that

must inevitably result from his course-could expect ultimate good results from an evil course of life. Such a one is blinded by his preiudicee and preferences: his iudement is warped so t&at “he cannot see ultimate results, -being infatuated with the nresent nratification of his desires. Let all who now ske the zing in his beauty and the land that is afar off continue to feast their eyes on the glorious vision, that they may catch more and more of its blessed inspiration, and let our treasure and our hearts be there. And let us guard carefully against any perversity of will which would so pervert the judgment as to hinder us from continuing to see afar off, and so blind us both to present and eternal interests.
MRS. hf. F. RUSSELL.

TH E HOLY
.JAN.

SPIRIT

2: 1-13. ‘%(.y ~(‘rc all filled with the Holv Spirit.“---Sets 2 :4. of gl’oss*perversion of the Word of God. And from the Our la<f lcs+~~n contained a promise of the holy Spirit, abundance of the testimony against such a view and the abthe “Comfortrr,” and instxucted the apostles and believing sence of all testimony in its favor, it seems difficult to see brpthrcn to tarry at Jerusalem until thus endued with power how their course can be anything short of a wilful “wresting from on high for the work of the ministry, in harmony with of the Scriptures.” thcb Lord’s commission, to preach the gospel to every creaAnd in view of the fact that some of those who thus t.ure. In that lesson we noted the methods adopted by our pervert the divine Word, so as to make its testimony of none Lord to nrore to the disciples his resurrection and the effect through their traditions and false theories, are seemcll:u~ge from human to spirit nature, and his ascension to ingly earnest people, it behooves all who would not be blinded tll,~ b'at1rc.1 in l~nlnlony \\it?l his tlerlnration that he would to rid their minds of everything in the way of prejudice in go into a far rountry to be invested with his kingly aucoming to the Word of the Lord: that we mav see light in his and would come again and receive his faithful ones thority, light and not confuse ourselves. by our own’ or othver men’s Some have endeavored to make of this Penteunto himself. darkness. How strange it would be indeed for the ADOStIe costal outpouring of the holy Spirit upon the Church a fulJohn in his great v&ion (Revelation), nearly sixty years filmcnt of the Lord’s promise to “come again.” But nothing after this Pentecostal blessing, to be shown and to be comcould be further from the meaning of the Lord’s words and manded to record for our information, svmbolic nictures of of the apostles, as can be readily from the expectations the events of this Gospel age, and of’ it*s close, ;nd of the proved. While telling them that he would come again and second coming of Christ, and of the Millennial judgment, and receive them unto himself, he also told them that in the of the final destruction of Satan and evil, and of the introinterim of his absence they were to preach the gospel to duction of the everlasting Kingdom beyond-how strange and all the world, for a witness, before the end of this age. He inconsistent all this would be if our Lord’s second advent assured them that during this interim of his absence they took place sixty years before, and the beloved disciple John, would suffer persecution and be despised of all men for his although blessed by the holy Spirit and especially inspired sake; that they were incompetent for so great a work, and to be an instructor of the church, were left in total ignorance therefore must not begin it until they would be endued “with of the truth and inspired to nrav, “Come. Lord Jesus:” promise of the Father, the evipower from on high “-the I ICome quickly ! dence of the Father’s acceptance, the foretaste of his bless(2) It is not said that the holy Spirit came as a rushing lng:. nhi1.11 *hall 1,~ c.ompletcd ai1t1 fulfilled on the clorificawind, but merely that a sound came, as of a rushing mighty tion of the church in the Kingdom. (Rom. 8:23) The Lord wind. A wind is an invisible power, and so is the holy spirit &(I ntrt rcprcqrnt that the holy Spirit would be himself, but an ircvisible power. The choice, therefore, of a sound of merely a power or influence emanating from the Father and wind as a symbol of the holy spirit, and as a means for from himself.-Acts. 1:4, 5. drawing the attention of the apostles to the wonderful blessNone of the apostles had the idea that the holy spirit ing coming upon them, was ai apt one. We cannot think wa9 the Lord, nor-that its outpouring represented the second what would have better renresented the invisible Dower with advent. Quite to the contrarv. thev snake of this outpouring which they were imbued. - The word “spirit” is’ from the as being only the “earnest”‘& ‘%rsi fruits” of the* spirit; very same Greek and Hebrew words as the words “breath” The Apostle Peter in a divine blessing upon the church. prc~chmg under the power of the holy Spirit, after declaring and “wind:” not that the holy Spirit is merely breath or wind, but that nothing else so well symbolises God’s inthe death and resurrection of Christ, said, “Therefore, being visible power. by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the (3-11) The cloven tongues, that is, the split or parted Father the promise of the holy Spirit, he hath shed forth thus, \I liic~h > c now Fee and heilr.” (Acts 2:33) There is tongues of light, like fire, which sat upon each of them, were also evidently symbolic, representing illumination,-the in no intimation here that “this” outpouring of the Spirit was telligence which comes through the holy Spirit. The holy the second comina of the Lord: but to the contrarv it is Spirit might have come upon them with equal power withstated that the Ibrd at the time was highly exalted, with out either the sound of -rushing wind or- the -tongues of th,e Father, and had shed forth this Spirit or ower upon light; but these accessories were no doubt intended to heln his church; having received authority of the Fat R er to shed t&e church to grasp the situation, to expect and to- appre’ it forth, by virtue of the atonement which he had accomciate the blessing then conferred and to make the matter plished by the sacrifice of himself. the more notable and satisfactory to them. Thrre could not be better proof that the apostles did The number of believers who were together in the unner not understand the outpouring of the holy Spirit to be the room at the time of the outpouring of The holy Spirit ‘iras second coming of Christ, the establishment of his Kingdom, about one hundred and twentv. etc., than the fact that sneakim? under the influence of Thev were all immersed in the holy spirit, because the h6ly Spirit filled the house. %nt this miraculous power, they- conti%lally and repeatedly exwhether or not the tongues of light rested upon any others horted the church to wait for and to expect still greater than the apostles we cannot surely know. It may have assuring them that what blessimzs at the Lord’s return, rested upon them only, by way of distinguishing them as Not merely they h:d already received was 6ut a for&ate. mouthpieces of the holy Spirit. one of the apostles so points forward to the second coming Certain it is that in the subsequent preaching with various tongues there seems good of Christ, but all of them without exception-Paul, Peter, reason for supposing that the apostles onlv nreached: be“James, Jude and John in their most earnest exhortations point to the second advent of the Lord as the greatest hope cause it was &d of the speakers; “Are not”alj these which speak Galileans 9” We cannot suppose that the entire comand inspiration for faith, courage, patient endurance and hope, for the things that shall be brought unto us at the pany of one hundred and twenty were all Galileans. It is revelation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Those quite probable, indeed, that the majority of them were espositors of Scripture, therefore, who endeavor to turn the Judeans: but the eleven anostles were all from Galilee. and attention of God’s people from the hopes set before us in hence it’ is probable that {hey alone did the preaching; and appearing of our Lord and probable also that they alone had the manifestations of the the gospel, of the - “$orious Saviour *Jesus Christ,” so as to induce them to believe that tongues of light in the upper room. our Lord’s second advent took place at Pentecost, are guilty The number of Israelites, otherwise called Jews, residing C2OSSl
I@.--Acts
L

JIIUARY

1. 1897

ZION’S

WAT

CH

TOWER

(13-14)

in the surrounding nations “dispersed amongst the Gentiles,” where they were engaged- in businesz, was much greater than the number who uermanentlv resided in Palestine. Yet there was amongst them a “reverence for the and the latter commanded an Holy Land and the law; assembling, at least representatively, at the Passover or at Pentecost. In consequence great numbers came to Jerusalem from the surrounding countries as representatives of families and communities to bear tithes and to offer prayers and “From a census sacrifices at the temple, on these occasions. taken in the time of Nero, more than 2,700,OOO were gathered at the Passover, and still greater numbers came to PenteThe larger numbers in attendance at Pentecost was cost.” doubtless because this feast came in the Summer. These gathered multitudes were not drawn from idle curiosity, but were “devout men.” The countries from which many of them came are mentioned. and include a radius of several hundred miles and the most enlightened portions of the world at that time. Althouph Greek was the ruling language of that period in official -matters and amongst %he learned, the majority of the oeonle evidentlv understood little more than their native tongues and diale&, nor did the character of the worship at ,Jerusalem make it necessary that they should be very tluent in one language. They came together to worship
0

and to present offerings rather than to hear preaching. Yet doubtless the Lord’s arrangement through Moses with reference to this feast had in view the very opportunities for publishing the good tidings recorded in this lesson. The miracle o’f speaking varioug tongues was appreciated by some at least of these renresentativea of true religion throuehout the world. And thi testimony of the apostles heard -there was no doubt carried to every quarter; if not in sufficient power to convert to Christ, at least in sufficient measure to prepare the way in some degree for the message which was to be carried throughout the world by the apostles and believers in general who subsequently, as a result of persecution in Jerusalem, were scattered also and “went every where” preaching the gospel. (12, 13) Although the people mentioned were religious, “devout men,” it does not appear that the miracle of the apostles speaking in various languages did more at first than to excite curiosity in some,-while with others it was attributed to an evil ‘influence-intoxication. Thus Satan. who endeavored to calumniate our Lord as a “wines bibber” and possessed of Beelzebub, the prince of demons, would now fain hinder the people from hearing the message of the Gospel preached with the power of the holy Spirit sent down from with wonderful manifestations. heaven, and accompanied Then as now God’s people were traduced by “devout men.”

PENTECOSTAL
JAN.

PREACHING

17.-A&s 2 ~32-47. “The promise is unto you, and unto your children, and to all that are afar off.“--Acts 2 :39. notice this positive statement by the Apostle, that the beThe major portion of the New Testament consists of writloved Prophet David is not in heaven: so used are they to ten addresses to the Lord’s neonle. and each &idle shows grest order and ability in zpre’senting truth logically and thinking of all the prophets as being now in heaven, instead of remgmbering as i’s Clearly pointed out in Heb. 11:89, 40, forcefully. The Book of Acts, however, contains records of “that thev without us should not be made nerfect”-that several preached discourses, amongst which none are more the ancient worthies will not receive the blessings which God interesting than the one now before us for consideration. has provided for them, and intends to bestow upon them, Apparently the eleven apostles had been talking to little until first the Church. the bride. the bodv of Christ. has groups of people, here and there, as they came together after been perfected with her Lord at his second” advent. ’ hearing of the miraculous manifestation of divine power in Whether the The character of this discourse by the Apostle Peter is connection with the Pentecostal blessing. not only worthy of notice and remembrance, but worthy of apostles spoke each in a distinctly separate dialect and were imitation, by all who would preach the true gospel with heard bv different grouts of different tongues, or whether power. His discourse was not to the effect that this manithey spoke in one t’ongue and were miraculously heard and festation of power was the second coming of Christ and the understood in different tonsues bv their different hearers establishment of his Kingdom and glory; but to the very we are not informed, but the”miracie would be about equally After being contrary of this he shows from David’s prophecy that Jegreat either way, and the result the same. hovah said to Christ, David’s Lord and Master, “Sit thou charged with intoxication Peter seems to have become the on my right hand [that is, occupy the chief place of my main snokesman and “lifted up his voice,” and thus changed favor and power] until I make thy foes thy footstool.” the matter from private conversations ‘by a number to a He protested, not indignantly This implies that the heavenly Father has engaged to honor public discourse by himself. the Son and to bring all things into subjection to him. In but mildly, against the charge of drunkenness, in very reahis discourse the Apostle does not intimate that this has sonable and logical form; showing that it was too early in already been accomplished and that all foes are overthrown, the mornina to sunnose the anostles to be drunken. The but merely that the first step in this programme has been third hour Gould bk’ what we berm nine o’clock, a. m., and accomplished; that Christ had suffered, that Christ had been would imply that the disciples had met quite early in the unoer room. and that after the blessinp: thev immediatelv raised from the dead, that Christ had been exalted to the right hand of power. This he emphasizes by saying, “Let all &Lroved the onnortunitv for letting the” light shine out bk the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that preaching the truth to the curious. same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Peter immediatelv connected the outnouring of the holv Peter’s discourse was not about the stars, nor about the spirit with the prophecy of Joel, and ‘connecled this with nor about finances, nor about leaves, nor about politics, our Lord and his crucifixion and the prophecies concerning eternal torment; but about the great central features of the him, pointing to his resurrection.-Acts 2 : 15-32. gospel, that Messiah had come, had suffered the iust for the (32, 33) After thus laying before them the basis of the unj*ust, and had been glorified and was yet to b;? recognized Gospel, the death of Christ, he most forcefully announces Lord of all. Nor did he fail to noint out the resnonsibilities that himself and all of the apostles were witnesses of the of the Jews before him, as a part’ of the nation, for the death fact that our Lord Jesus was not left in death, but the of Christ. Father had raised him up to life and exalted him to his own (37-41) The effect of this preaching, on a right theme right hand. Upon this, the only proper foundation of gospel and in a direct and forceful manner, was the conviction of hope and preaching, the Apostle proceeded to build the diesome of his hearers that if these things were true thep were course of this lesson and to account to the people for the under a responsibility, and an inquiry as to what should be power of the holy spirit which they saw manifested. their course. We look with intense interest to see whether (34. 35) Realizing that his hearers did not understand or not the Apostle advised them, as some preachers of today the ‘prophecy which -he had just quoted from the Psalms would advise-that they come to a mourners’ bench and pray (Psa. 10 :8 I. Peter nroceeded to Drove to them that David and agonize and cry aloud to the Lord to receive them, while &Id not have been $peaking the& words respecting himself; he and the apostles gather around them ahd sing hymns and but that his words were an-inspired prophecy respecting the We find nothinn of this kind. nor do nrav also for them. resurrection of our Lord Jesus from the dead. In proof of we “find the Apostle losing his senses”and his argument and this he called their attention to what they would all very logic in excited declamation without meaning, intended to namely, that David was dead and in his readily admit; he proceeds terrify the repentant ones. On the contrary, nenulrher: that David was not risen: that David had not in the same earnest, logical manner as hefore to answer their b&-exalted and made to sit at God’s’ right hand; and that questions and to info&t them, not that they need to urge consequently someone else than David must have been meant; God to forgive them. but on the contrary, “. that God has and he proceeded to show that Messiah was referred to by -7 . already provided forgiveness in Christ and is waiting and the rophet. ready to receive them, and that the proper steps for them 4 ery many Christian people are surprised when first they [2089]

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to take are (1) repentance, reformation of life, “the turning over of a new leaf,” and (2) that as repentant believers they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ-thus consecrating themselves to him and to his service, and outwardly and publicly acknowledging the same. And he assures them that upon so doing they shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit also. He points out that the promise of the holy Spirit included them (as Israelites), and that the Lord had specially called them, through the hearing and understanding of the truth, that they might become heirs of these promises and recipients of this seal of acceptance. The astounding fact that three thousand were converted to the Lord, as the result of the Apostle’s clear presentation of the simple facts and how they fitted to the prophecies, is not to be accounted for by supposing that the holy Spirit operated upon the hearers as well as upon the speaker; for the holy spirit is never given to any except consecrated belierers. Nor are we to suppose that the Apostle spoke with such an intensity of power as would of itself have produced such results upon any congregation of hearers. The explanation lies in the fact that his hearers were specially “devout men,” and the work of that day and of a succeeding period was merely the gathering of the ripe grains of “wheat” from that nation, which had for over sixteen centuries been the recipients. of Divine favor with “much advantage every way, chiefly in that to them were committed the oracles of God.” The same Apostle and the other apostles under the power of the same holy spirit and with probably increased natural ability in the handling of the Sword of the Spirit, the 1Vorcl of God, did not subsequently succeed in acromplishing similar results so far as numbers were concerned. It I* worthy of note also that the holy Spirit’s method was not to send the apostles, when imbued with power, off to heathen lands to preach to those who had never heard of God; but, on the contrary, divine providence so ordered matters as to gather some of the most worthy Jews out of every nation under heaven to the apostles, for the purpose of hearing and being blessed with the truth. These “strang ers” from various parts were all Jews, although their language differed because born in foreign parts; furthermore, it was not until about three and one-half years after this that the Lord sent the good tidings beyond the Jews to

the Gentiles-Cornelius being the first Gentile convert. So we hold that the present harvest message is now of Christendom: and we sent primarily to the “devout” therefore seek and use the means provided for preaching to these first, “for the perfecting of the saints” rather than neglect this ‘work by going aft& those who can and will be so much more successfully reached in the Millennium, by the glorified church-the seed of Abraham in which all the families of the earth shall be blessed. (42-47 ) We cannot wonder that such a group of consecrated children of God, after being illuminated with the holy Spirit of promise, felt an instinctive desire to be in each other’s company; nor can we wonder at the unselfish, loving spirit manifested in the arrangement that they should have “all things in common.” No, such a course is only what would suggest itself to all true Christians as a desirable one. Their zeal toward God is also attested by their application to the study of the doctrines of Christ, their daily prayers, etc. And this, as verse 47 informs us, resulted in attracting others of kindred spirit to the truth. Thus the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,-such as were in a condition to- be saved from the blindness of their nation (Comnare Rom. 11:25. 26) : such as were the “wheat,” readv to be separated from’ the“‘chaff” and gathered into the “garner” of the Gospel age, and away from the “fire” of trouble that nresentlv came unon all the * “chaff” of that nation.-Luke 3:16, 17. ” Although the Lord specially blessed this communistic arrangement in the beginning of the Gospel age, it was, we believe, for the Purpose of drawing to the truth the unselfish lovers of righteou&ess and peace. For the same reason he blessed the church at that time with neace. and with After the communistic arrange“favor with all the people.” ment and the favor with the people had been permitted for a time, and had accomplished their work, of gathering certain characters to the church, the Lord broke up the arrangement entirely, and scattered the church through persecution and disfavor with the people “everywhere.” Nor do we believe that it was ever the intention of the Lord that his people should live in a communal manner during this Gospel dispensation. But on this subject we refer the reader to an article in our issue of Sept. 1, ‘95, entitled, “They Had All Things in Common.”

ENCOURAGING
We nublish the following as an evidence of the fact that the Loid is pleased occasi&ally to grant physical healing, probably as an indication of the approach of the “times of (Acts 3:19-21) restitution.” The sister does not mention the tenor of her prayer; but anticipating queries we would refer inquirers to the articles on prayer and faith healing in our issues of Julv 1 to Sent. 1, and suggest further that if in her place thi strongeit prayer wev>ould offer consistent with our consecration of all to the Lord. would beto tell the Lord ( 1) of our unbounded confidence in his ability to heal, if he saw best so to do; (2) of our desire to have his will done whether it be for our life or death, our sickness or health ; ( 3 ) of our earnest desire to serve him, and our determination to use whatever strength and health and ability he saw best to grant in his service-as (4) There called out of darkness into his marvelous light. WC’ would retit the case“Content, whatever lot I see, Since ‘tis my God that leadeth me.” In4kLm. DEAR FRIENDS:-I have been in the valley of the shadow of death, and my restoration to life and health is thought hv manv to be little if anvthina short of a miracle. Having bien c&pled for over thirty -years by spinal and sciati; I had no hope of ever -recovering rlieumatis-m, and was resirned to the Lord’s will. In Januarv. ‘94, I fell on the icc,“rcsulting in concussion of the spine-and fracture of the hip joint, breaking two principal bones. For three months J was unable to move a finger. Friends sent me three of the best surgeons thev could-find, and all three agreed that it, was useless rvcn to prescribe for me, that recovery was Finallv. when all looked for me to die at any ~mnossible. instant, a poor old ‘colored friend, a Christian woman, said t.0 me, “You never tried Doctor Jesus. He can cure you. Nnw pray with me, and rejoice; for we will be heard.” SO we prayed, and soon I noticed an improvement. Today I am not only better in health, but I can walk better than in thirty years, and all traces of my old infirmity are gnne. While I lay helpless, I thought how I would try to lead
1

LETTERS
others to the light. I had often thought to devote my time and labor to the Lord and his kingdom work, and am longing to do so now, if it be his will. I thought of your tracts, and especially of “Do You Know.” I have delayed too long now, God forgive me this sin. I can offer something on “Good Hopes,” as the Lord has sent me a pension. The time is at hand, the Kingdom is at the door. 0 may I be found worthy to work for it, and to enter into its glory, is the prayer of Your friend and servant in the Lord,
MRS. E. 8. L-.

The following letter is from a “Quakeress,” or “Friend,” who had long followed the Lord according to the light possessed, but failed to recognize him as having “bought us” bv the sacrifice of himself. Thank God. she has found the o&y “door,” the only “way” to God, and has entered as a true sheep into the fold of the true Shepherd. Alas! how many excellent moral people, blinded by the Adversary, fail to find the only gate to the true “narrow way.” Thank God! the hour is near when all the blinded ones, who are now feeline after God. shall have the eves of their understandings Opened and shall find the “w&g.‘* (Compare Acts 17:25-27; Isa. 29:18; 42:16) But what shall we say to comfort or encourage those whose eyes have seen the love of God and of Christ, manifested in the “ransom for all,” and whom the love of Christ has not constrained to love in Ah! theirs is a much more return nor to be his disciples? serious case ; and we know of nothing in God’s Word for their encouragement, except it be the suggestion of beating with “many stripes,” which may be understood to signify some hope of a blessing through tribulation, if then properly exercised by it. There is a good suggestion in the letter for some, respecting the propriety and necessity of definitely accepting the Lord by faith, and of making a positive covenant with him upon the only terms,--full, free, unreserved, joyful selfsurrender, as preceding the evidences of full acceptance. Pemhsylvamia. DEAR FBrEXn:-Just a word to thank you for your letter and prayer, which has not been altogether without answer,

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and for the WATCH TOWEB, which came two or three days ago. I think my error has been that I have taken the right of sonship too much as a matter of course, instead of realizing that the disobedient child is not in the true sense a child of God. From the condition of disobedience Jesus has purchased me at the heaviest possible cost, and I have been enjoying the redemption or the purchased blessings without rendering to him due gratitude in return. I have not taken him into account as I ought. By degrees it came to me that a definite act of faith was required of me. I must cast myself unreservedly, without doubt or fear, upon Jesus Christ as a Saviour, and trust him for righteousness. I winced at the thought of such a complete surrender; but, when Jesus bent to ask me to give him my heart “once for all” and “now,” I found there was no escape, I was already a captive; and that the sweetest possibility in all the world would be to be his “prisoner,” “bond-servant,” subject, slave only to follow and serve him henceforth; relying upon him alone for ability to do so. And so “once for all” with Bunyan’s Pilgrim I have dropped my burden at the foot of the cross. Now I go to my comparatively neglected Bible having given myself once for all to a neglected Saviour. And if to be baptized into
l

See Baptism and its Import; discussed in our issue June 15, ‘93. ALLEGHENY, PA.,

Jesus Christ is to be baptized into his sufferings and death,* I will choose these in preference to any present health or exemption from trial, unless it be made very clear to me that I am to do otherwise. I believe that the redemption gives us health sufficient to do all that the Father expects of us, and I will not ask for more. Very gratefully, -. [That is a good point to keep in memory: preservation of health and faculties is as truly to be esteemed providential as restoration when impaired; although not generally so esteemed. And afflictions (physical or financial) are sometimes blessings: One of old wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray.” Another wrote, “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him; for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” All of the saints, “sons,” receive some chastisements: some in one way, some in another; some in ways that all can see, some in ways that none but themselves know: some learn the lessons slowly, and some more rapidly: but all have need of divine direction and correction. Unless disciplined and pruned they will not bear the fruits of the spirit in such profusion as the Master seeks; and unless ffcuuittb;;~~rs they are cumberers of the Vine and will be . -EDITOB.] JANUARY 15, 1807 No. 2

VOL. XVIII

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Tendencies already noted., toward a combination of religious sentiments in sympathy with “political reform” movements, are step hy step making headway, preparing for the predicted politico-religious “confederacy.” (Isa. 8 : 12) These give evidence of four things: ( 1) that the “form of godlinehs” and outward ceremony flourish as the Apostle predicted (2 Tim. 3.5) ; (2) that personal, vital godliness and clear appreciation of the divine mind are decreasing; (3) that the nominal church contains so much of the world and its spirit as to be ready for the move; (4) that the worldly, while unconverted in the true sense, are greatly influenced by respect, fear and public sentiment, and see no danger from the movement. We are far from claiming, as many do, that our day is witnessing a general decline of moral and religious sentiment. On the contrary, we hold that these sentiments are more general DerhaDs than ever before, as witnessed bv the Dhilanthropies- and ‘charities of both ‘public and priGate support, and the increase of humane and kindlv sentiment. But we claim that while the civilized world i’s much brighter and better as a whole than it ever was, because of the diffusion therein of the GosDel lieht. vet the mass of the church. the light-bearers, are declinhg ‘ii intelligent faith and zeal. and approaching the worldly standard about as fast as the world has been approaching the Christian standard, so that the world and the nominal church have again come close tonether:-closer than at anv time before during the Dresent zentury ; so close that to many it appears that, to fully install the Millennium-the triumphal reign of the churchesonlv the three followina “reforms” are needed. viz.--- 1) Inser’t the names of God &id Christ in the United States ‘Constitution; (2) compel professing Christians to take a more active part in politics, form Good Citizenship Leagues, etc., and learn to outwit Satan at his own game; (3) by so doing obtain prestige and power enough to influence legislation to the enactment of stringent Sunday laws which would at least make us Zoolc like a religious people; also suppress the social evil and break UD Dresent “rines.” or else convert them to the new religio-pbli?tical program: Later on it will do to enforce religious worship and have the public servants attest their fidelity by attending in squads and in uniform. .The appointing of obligatory fast days and thanksgiving days as is and has long been the case in countries thoroughly dominated by Roman Catholicism will follow later. The next step would be to suppress all literature antagonistic to this union; symbolically behead it (Rev. 20 :4-like John the Baptist) for pointing out the wrong of the professed bride of Christ being united to the world. Then, later. when auestions would arise as to what would constitute Christian worship, the Supreme Courts could be called upon to define more and more explicitly what is, and what is not, Christian faith and worship. Such a reign of the churches will be but the counterpart to the reign of Papacy during the dark ages, except that it will be a more enlightened reign, from the fact that general civilization has progressed, and general intelligence will have some weight.

But that reign will be short. Worldliness, being merely covered with a thin outward veneer of religion, will speedily assert its true nature-selfishness, envy, malice, hatred and strife. But it will not be left thus to disintegrate: its fall will be sudden; it will be utterly disrupted by the “great earthquake” (Rev. 16:18), the revolt of the masses, precipitating the anarchy foretold in Scripture, in the midst of which the dominions of this world shall Dass into the hands of the true Kingdom of God, when the t&e Millennial reign will begin. The fact is that the faith of the church has always been the most pure and fervent when under opposition and even persecution from the world. There can be no ground for u&on between the church and the world except as the church wholly or in part loses sight of or abandons the divine program. Our Lord’s example and precepts are applicable to all of his followers vet, and will continue to be so until the “present evil world”“shal1 give place to “the world to come” and its Messianic kingdom. Our Lord declared, “Ye are not of the world. I have chosen you out of the world. Marvel not if the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the wDrZd, the world would love its own.” The present effort to unite the church and the world more closely, like the successful efforts of the past, is only a trap and a snare by which the great Adversary would divert attention from the true work of the church-her self Durification and semratien from the world, bv which her iight would shine upon the world with greater clearness, eon&icing of sin, of righteousness and of a coming judgment. But as in the past a falling away of the maioritv into worldliness served -to separate -the Lord’s “jewel&” ” so now such a separation is in progress. And it is for this “jewel” class that God is supplying the light of present truth;clearer light on the “ransons” and its present and future results; on the “royal priesthood” and its present sacrificing and future glory; on Covenants and their fulfillment; on the Kingdom now in embryo suffering violence, and by and by in glory and power the blessing of all the families of the earth; on the fulfillment of prophecies which prove that we are in the “harvest” of this age., and that the great Reaper is present, “gathering together his elect,” his jewels, * * * The champions of church and state have been rejoicing considerably over two incidents which they consider favorable to their cause,(1) A Supreme Court decision which, although indirect, can ‘be, and no doubt later on will be, construed to signify that the United States Government is in some sense a religious, a Christian government, and become a basis for Ch.ristaa~ laws and regulations, and not merely la,vs of Justice. All should know how many narrow meanings have been given to the term, “Christian regulation,” by various wellmeaning, but grossly deceived, parties in the past. (2) President Cleveland in his last Thanksgiving-day Proclamation departed from all past usage by mentioning [2091]

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ment which has for its aim the Christianization of our counin it the name of Christ. and what might be construed aa trv, and the conseouent death blow to all of its boasted freepartisan politics in the snggestion of thankfulness that the .-_-- __-_ d& either know -little of what is goin on or sadly underSilver Partv had failed to carrv the election. His example estimate the number and influence of t ff ose engaged in this was followed by the governors o! several states in their p&crevolutionary and retrogressive movement. Ignorance and inlamations. There is nothing in the Constitution giving any difference oily can account for the tendency co make little of authority for such proclamations: they are therefore merely President Cleveland’s breach of the unwritten law which has mgge8tion8; and in making the wgge8tione all previous prefJihitherto been held sacred, . . . . Those who are inclined dents have wholly separated politics, and in consideration of to underestimate the influence of his action will ha&a chance the fact that millions of citizens (including Jews, infidels to estimate it at its true value when the jubilations of Chris__ _-_.and skeptics) do not acknowledge Christ, have merely sugtianizing elements have had time to make themselves heard. gested that thanks be rendered to Almighty God for his blessThat they will be heard in tones unmistakably loud, ouly ings, etc. The framers of the national government were not those who know nothing of the fight being made can doubt” devoid of religious sentiment, but they were logical when they said. ‘Who does not see that the same authority that can set The desire to rule others and to compel obedience is very strong in some people. Th.e Christian Btamdmrd, for instance, up the Christian religion over all other religibns, can with is urging a rigid religious observance of Thanksgiving Day, the same ease set up some particular sect of Christians in and would like to have all religious people oppose football exclusion of all other sects?” Acting upon this thought, they sought to found a government of -the people entigely free and other recreative games on that day. from religious bias, under which every citizen and stranger The Christian Endeavor Society wants to make its mark also, and proposes another holy d&y. It proposes to give to shall have libertv to worship God or not to worship him, according to his -own conscience. Washinerton’s Birthday a “religious tone-” So intelliaent a journal as the ZndeDe,ela&nt proves the The-Christian. En&avvrer says: wisdom of th: foregoing, for while defending President Cleve“Many Christian Endeavor societies last year utilized land’s proclamation, it says,Washington’s Birthday for Christian Citizenship da They “Sunnose the President had been a Roman Catholic and found this plan to be helpful to the cause of 8 hristian Citizenship. , . . . referred -to the invocation of Mary as a mediatrix, he would have made a mistake. because the nrevailinp sentiment of the “As Washington was distinctly a Christian citizen and land would be against him.” a showed his loyalty to his divine Master on every occasion, The intimation is that so broadminded a man as the Editor there is everv reason whv the celebration of his hirthdav of the Zndemndent would be inclined to allow the majority should have a- religious tank to it.” to r&e the ‘minority, especially if hc were on the side of thk It says that about six hundred C. E. Societies will follow majority. the plan this year. It is proposed to make it general at the Indeed, the United State< Constituticn seems to us almost It will not be long, probably, until those next convention. miraculous : we believe that God must have providentially who hold aloof from these church and world combination guided in its preparation-so remarkably does it guard reschemes will be esteemed religious anarchists. ligious liberty even against the will of a majority; and that All this is of a piece with Rome’s saint days, only modiin-a land where majo<it,ies rule in general matters. fled to suit our times. t l . Considerable onnosition was aroused by these two evidences of religio-political-combination, as well” as considerable apAdvocating Sunday observance before the ‘?owa Sabbath proval; but the nntqses of the people are apathetic and care Rescue State Convention,” Rev. E. L. Eaton gave the keynote little one wav or the other, and do not see the danger. In of the present movement when he said,answer to criiicismn the Cleveland Pla& Dealer seems-to sug “We want to touch legislation; we want to go over yonder eest an amendment to the Constitution, establishing rules into that Capitol building and sit there among the law makers Yto be drafted hv cxperto) for such occasions as Thakksgivwith as much serenity and with as much right as do the ing-day proclama-tions. lobbyists of the great corporations. We want to put our The Reform Bureau, commenting spprcciatively on the finger on the moral pulse of the legislature until they feel proclamation, says : the power of our influence to the extent that they dare not “Thus at last we have a nroclamation in accord with the refuse our demands. Supreme Court dictum, ‘This- is a Christian nation.“’ “He added that Catholics, Lutherans and all other ProtAgain, in the Washington Evening b’tar, the same Bureau estants could as brothers work together in a great cause that says : is worthy of their effort.” “The Thanksgiving proclamation is in this respect the As &al, false doctrine, ignorance of and opposition to first one that &ghtvndt have been appropriately issued in the divine plan expressed in the Word, lies at the foundation China or among the Choctaws, or wherever a Supreme Being of these well-meant but really evil movements. is recognized. This is the first proclamation in accord with Let all who can read the signs of the times draw specially the long list of historic facts on the basis of which the near to the Lord and hlb Word, and seek the more grace and Supreme Court said, on Feb. 29, ‘!)2, in a unanimous opinion wisdom to walk circumspectly and to labor while it is called nation.’ This (Trinity church case) : ‘This is a Christian day, before the night shall close our opportunities and indiproclamation, with the burial of the spoils system and the cate that the gathering of the elect is complete. l l l arhitration treaty, will make this administration distinguished in history-above any other since the war.” The “Evangelical Alliance” has taken a specially active “On the other side we quote from the Chicago ZsraeZite part in Christian Union efforts of late. It is worth while as follows : remembering that in this association directly the union move“Between undue sensitiveness and a just appreciation of ment took its start in the formation of the “image,” as insult and rightful apprehension of encroachments upon libmarked in prophecy, in 1846 A. D. It is altogether probable No one familiar with the erty, there are great differences. that it will also play an important role in connection with svstematized efforts of the nnmerous Christian organizations its receiving ‘life.“-Rev. 13 : 15. l l l t6-obtain recognition of Christ in the Constitution; of the tendency of the decision of the TJnited States Supreme Court, A remarkable sensation was created in London recently, and of the natural results that this is a Christian nation; in connection with the public consecration of Rev. Dr. Temple which must follow upon the arrest and conviction of Seventhas Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of the Church of Engday Adventists in various states of the Union, can view with land, and next to the Queen the head of that church. As the indifference President Cleveland’s departure from the prececeremonies (which took place in the Church of Saint Mary dents of all the presidents who have gone before him. Mr. Le Bow) commenced, the Rev. Edward Browujohn of Bath Cleveland has done what no previous president has ever arose and solemnly and earnest.1 protested against the condreamed of doing, what all have taken pains to avoid secration, “on the ground that PIev. Dr. Temple was a CM~doing. fessed believer in the full doctrine of Evolution, a doctrine “There is an untiring effort being made to turn this counincompatible not only with the Bible but also with the Book try into a Christian state and to place on a footing of toleraof Common Prayer and Articles of Religion of the Church of tion only, all those who do not profess the Christian religion. England.” The danger of the eventual success of this scheme is much The Queen’s commissioners refused to entertain the protest greater than many are inclined to believe. Eternal vigilance of one man; and considering that they had the backing of is the price of liberty, and it behooves every lover of freedom practically the entire Church of England in favor of Evoluto he on his guard against its foes, and, more especially, tion, and the Queen’s choice of Primate, the ceremony proxgainht such an evident attack as is made in President Cleveceeded. This was on Dec. 22, ‘96. lilnd’n message, whether it was intended or not. On Jan. 8 the Archbishop was enthroned, as the following “Thaw who rlow their eyes to the strength of the movedispatch describes : [ 20921

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“The mandate for the enthronement was presented by the vicar-general to the chapter of Canterbury, in the treasury. After this ceremony the chapter proceeded to the deanery and conducted the Archbishop to the great west door. The procession was then formed. “The archbishop was attired in full archeniscopal robes, his long scarlet train being borne by two boys, king’s scholara of the cathedral school. Thev wore. accordinz to immemorial custom, surplices of pure \;rhite linen, yell:w sandals and little purple caps. “There was a dramatic incident as the archbishop was traversing the nave & the end of the procession. A voice shouted loudly : ‘The whole proceedings are a fraud.’ The interruption came from an elderly gentleman of clerical appearance. He was speedily and forcibly ejected amid considerable excitement. “The order of installation was read in Latin, and the archbishop was conducted to the marble chair, accompanied by the archdeacons of Canterbury. The marble chair, known

as the patriarchal throne, is said to have been used by St. Aueustine. and in it during manv centuries the archbishons of I Ca&erbur$ have been enthyroned.” “The new Archbishop of Canterbury is one of the most advanced Liberals among English churchmen. He is a professed advocate of Darwin’s theory of evolution.” The reaction in the Church of England against Papacy is showing itself in an increased desire to form a Universal Protestant Organization. The Bishop of Salisbury at a public meeting recently said, of the Pope’s recent deliverance which repudiated Anglican Orders and union,“It has set us free to do work which lies nearest hand, without so much regard to ulterior consequences. We are free to follow the path opened to us by a Divine Providence, and to create am independent world-wide communion.” He suggests that the first step should be toward a union with Presbyteriana.

TRAVELING

BRETHREN

ON TIME

When you get word that any of the “Pilgrim” brethren are coming to your vicinity at a particular date, you may expect them and prepare accordingly. Do not delay arrangements for meetings until their arrival; else there will be little time left for meetings; for rarely do they remain over two days at one nlace. The routes are arraneed in the WATCH TOWEB office, &d the time apportioned a&ording to circumstances and interest-sometimes but one day at a place. These “pilgrims” are not slothful, but fervent in spirit serving the

Lord; so arrange for two or three meetings each day, as will suit yollLr convenience. Improve such opportunities for having your friends and neighbors, whom you have been trying to interest by conversations and reading matter, hear a connected delineation of the Plan of the Ages from the Chart of the Ages. We commend to you as a nrfvileae the entertainment of these brethren of whose coming-we sexid you notification (Heb. 13 :2 ; Rom. 12 :4-18) ; but they do not take up collections, expenses being provided from the Tract Fund.

CHRISTIAN
“He

FELLOWSHIP

that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him. is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world ? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.“-John 14:21-23. In these words the people of God have set before them ments, and its most careful expositions of the principles of the blessed nrivilepe of intimate communion and fellowshin righteousness and truth, may avail little or nothing in the “Therefore,” says the with our heavenly%ather and our Lord Jesus, the privilege education and training of character. of a realization of the divine presence, of which the world Apostle, “we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should cannot know, and which realized is an earnest of our inheritlet them slip; . . . . for . . . . how shall we ance with Christ beyond the vail of the flesh. If we be one with Christ here, his faithfulness is our assurance that nothescape [the wrath of God] if we neglect so great salvation”the salvation which comes only through faith and obedience ing can separate us from him now or when we shall have finished our course and nroved our faithfulness even unto to the Word of the Lord diligently laid up in our hearts, and “Who,” says Pauc “shall separate us from the love death. its principles carefully and prayerfully wrought out in our The promise of the divine favor and of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or lives. (Heb. 2 : l-3). famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? . . . . Nay, in blessine is not to the forgetful, listless hearers who fail to all these things we are more than conquerors through him apply Their hearts unto in&ruction, but to the attentive heardeath, nor, life, nor ers. and faithful doers of the Word.-James 1:25. that loved us. For . . . . neither . . ~~~~~ ~~~~ angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor It is not enough, therefore, that we have read the Word things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, of God and gained a general knowledge of its principles and shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in precepts and the plan and purpose of our God: there is yet Christ Jesus our Lord.“-Ram. 8 : 35-39. more, much more, to be learned and done. There must be a daily laying up of its treasures of wisdom and counsel in This is the blessed assurance of faith that springs sponthe heart, and the working out of its principles in the life. taneously from the realization of a present and vital union Such fellowship and intimate communion should with Christ. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them,” said one of the therefore be the longing desire of every child of God, whose saints of old; “and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoic(Jer. 15: 16) So must we also feed upon prayer and constant &&ude of heart sfiould be: ing of my heart.” “0 God. this is mv nlea. dmte’er the vrocess be, them in our hearts. Th& iovoeto know.” . Moses, addressing the typical people of God, shows with what carefulness God would have all his people regard his It is only in heart-to-heart fellowship that we become testimonies, saying, “Ye shall lay up these my words in your truly acquainted with another; and only so can we realize heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your the depth and sweetness of divine love. But the conditions hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. Bnd of this fellowship, the process by which we may come to ye shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when really know him in whose favor is life, and his dear Son, thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the our Redeemer and Lord, must not be overlooked. The condiway, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And tions are that we have and keep the divine commandments. thou shalt write them upon the doorposts of thine house and The having and keeping of the commandments, our obedience upon thy gates.” (Deut.. 11: N-20) aoshua also said to them, to the heavenly wisdom, constitute the proof of our love to “This book of the law shall not deuart out of thv mouth: God. Thus also is proved our love of righteousness; for the but thou shalt-meditate therein da$ and night, ihat tholi law of God is the law of righteousness, commending itself to mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein.” the highest moral instincts of our nature. To the soul, there-Josh. 1: 8. fore, that loves righteousness the commandments of the Lord are not grievous ( 1 John 5 :3) ; for they are the expression Again we read (Prov. 7 : l-3)) “My son, keep my words, of the most exalted virtue, the noblest benevolence, the purest and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my comlove, and all the beauties of holiness. mandments and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of In the inspired words of the Lord and the apostles and thine heart.” prophets we have the divine will expressed, explained, illustrated and enforced, line upon line and precept upon precept. It is those who thus carefully la!/ up the treasures of And vet. with all this teaching, it is possible, even for the divine wisdom that they may in deed and in truth live by them, that truly keep the commandments of God. It is very consecrated people of God, to be-forgetfil hearers and readers of the Word, so that its most explicit directions for daily manifest that our Lord would have us apply not only our heads. but also our hearts, to the instructions of his Word. living, ifs most faithful warnings against snares and beset[2093-j

(24-25)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLSCCHENY. PA.

(PI’OV. 23 : 12) This implies the study of ourselves, as well as of the divine Word, that we may see juat what- portions of the Word aDDlv to our individual Dresent necessities. We know that as members of the fallen iace-we are ali afflicted with the malady of sin; and though through faith in Christ, our Redeemer, we are freely forgiven and reckoned of God as free from sin, even this reckoned standing before God, through faith in Christ’s merit applied to us, is accorded to us only in view of our hatred of sin, our love of righteousness, and our earnest heart-desire to be pure and holy. It would indeed be a vain thing to trust for eternal life in the imputed righteousness of Christ, and at the same time to love and continue in sin. If any of the world of mankind do so in the next age, they will never reach perfection and eternal life. Accepting first, the favor of redemption through Christ they must then work out their salvation bv obedience and persevering effort to eradicate sin and put on righteousness. The same principle applies also to the church now on trial. We should ever bear in mind that justification through faith in Christ does not directly, and beyond all peradventure, insure to the believer eternal life: but it does secure that legal standing before God upon which believers, both of this age and the next, must work out their salvation with fear and trembling.-Phil. 2 : 12. Having, by faith, accepted this legal standing before God, our subsequent course of life must make manifest our heartdesires to be cleansed from all sin: “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid;” for if we continue in sin, the grace of God will not abound: and if we give up the struggle against sin and allow it to take posse&o; of our mortal bodies, the grace of God must eventually be withdrawn. Sin is a disease inherited from our fallen progenitors: it affects one individual in one wav and another in another: and even though, through faith in Christ, we are reckoned of God as free from sin, nevertheless the actual tendencies to sin are still present with us. Like the children of Israel. we are led into. Canaan (the rest of faith and of the di’vine favor), but we have still a great work to do in the way of routing the enemies of righteousness long intrenched there: and for this work both persevering effort and divine grace are needed. While the precious blood of Christ aDDlied bv faith is the great atoning remedy for sin whereby we ar’e justified to life, the only restorative remedies are in the law and testimonies of the Word of the Lord. all which would, howevrr, be unavailing except as supplementary to the great atoning remedv; and these must be carefullv * and I-Y Draverfullv ~” sought’out and &pplied with persevering effort for our cleansing and healing. To this end it is important also to remember that a correct diagnosis of our case is one of the first essentials to a cure. But who is sufficient for this?-“Who can understand his errors?” who is able to look into his own character and, without prejudice, to mark its defects-? Surely none who are intoxicated with the spirit of the world, with pride, or selfishness, or vain glory. It is for this reason that the Apostle Paul counsels sobriety and humility, saying, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly.“-Ram. 12 : 3. A fiobcr estimate of self is a humiliating, not an exalting, exercise : vet it is healthful and beneficial. It reminds us contimmlly that we are “men of like passions” with other men, and thus enables us not only to strive against our own weaknesses and besetments, but also to sympathize with those of others, and to bear with them as we wish them to bear with us. It makes us continually to realize that our fallen nature gravitates toward sin, and that we must resolutely strive arrainst it or else float with its downward current to destru&on. A sober estimate will remind us too of our mental infirmities; for, however favorably we may compare with some other members of the dying race about us. we are verv imbecile as compared with -human perfection.’ How slowly and laboriouslv does the mind act: how dull are the DerceDtive faculties; “how inert the reasoning powers; how unskilled the judgment; how feeb1.y we disc&n- the great principles of truth. and how stuprdlv we go about applvine them: how repeated are our blundeis and-failures, and how” tedious and slow our progress 1 Surely no man, however favorably he may compare with some of his fellows, has anything whereof to boast in a sober estimate either of his mental or his moral capacity or development as compared with the standard of perfection. In a sober estimate of character how painfully manifest are those overestimates of pride and vainglory which are due to the intoxicating spirit of the world! How unlovely it is,

how absurd and ridiculous, how mean and contemptible, how vain and foolish! and how effectually it impedes progress toward actual perfection ! No man can make commendable progress toward perfection in any direction who does not recognize his shortcomings. If we say we see, our blindness remains ; if we say we are wise, our ignorance remains, and our folly is manifest to others while we glory in our shame. -Phil. 3: 16, 19. Such is the spirit of this world. It is blind to the highest interests and noblest ends of life; it intoxicates the mind and heart and sends the man staggering along the downward way to destruction, wise onlv in his own conceit. Against the intoxicating spirit .of this world it is the duty Gf the Christian to set a vieilant euard. He has covenanted to live apart from the world with “all its ambitions, pride and vainglory, and apart, too, from its selfishness, greed and strife. Let us, therefore, be sober and watch unto Draver: and let the burden of our prayer be: “Cleanse thou* me’ from secret faults [show them to me. that I mav Dut them far from mel. Keep back thy servant also from pr&imptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.” “Search me, 0 God, and know my hearti try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.“-Psa. 19:12-14; 139:23, 24. We need to know and clearly recognize our errors if we would indeed bc cleansed from every secret fault. If there be any secret fault in us, what though no human eye might detect it, if we are indeed lovers of riehteousness we will want the cleansing power of the Word -applied to take it awav. rememberine alwavs that “all thines are naked and open&l unto the eyes of “him with whom Ge have to do.“Heb. 4 : 13. Yes, it is in the diagnosis of our case that we are most likely to err and it is here that sobriety of mind and meekness are so much needed. Self-love does not like to admit the faults that are in us. to particularize them and look them squarely in the face with the searchlight of God’s Word clearly revealing them. It is much more conducive to complacent ease of mind to generalize and to overlook particulars; -to say Yes, I know I am not perfect, etc., etc. But it requires a great deal more of moral courage to say, Yes, I see now, in the light of God’s Word. that I have been selfish. or unkind, or unfaithful to my obligations,. or whatever the fault mav be. It reauires meekness. humilitv. to admit these thibgs, even to one’s self; and still more,“& confess them to those who have been injured or grieved by them. Yet how necessary are the recognition and the confession-the proper diagnosis of the case-to the healing. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,” says the Apostle James, “that ye may be healed.” (Jas. 5:16) The recognition and the confession, as well as the prayer, are thus seen to be very imuortant in order that the heart mav be in the proper a<titud’e to receive an answer to the pray&-. Careful reflection will show at once how necessarv to the cure is a correct diagnosis. For instance, suppose a* case of extreme selfishness. For a time it moves along and prospers, and the disease grows worse and worse until, by and by, some of its bitter fruits begin to appear. Now if the patient fails to discern or admit the selfishness, he may regard the bitter fruits of it, not as the Denaltv for wrong-doing. but as sufferings for righteousness’. sake.. And with-this &correct diagnosis he mav come to the Word of God and take awav the wrong remedy. If he should go at all, he will probably look for words of consolation designed for those only who are trulv sufferine for riehteousness’ sake. And that will not help. his selfighness, but will make it worse: he will go on cultivating the selfishness and take comfort in the promises that are not his; whereas, if he realized and admitted the selfishness, he would be considering the warnings against it and Dravine for erace to overcome it: he would be acknowledging it to” those”concerned, and endeavoring to make amends for it; and in so doing its bitter fruits would begin to wither, the peace of God would come into his heart, his heart would enlarge, and the love of God and of his fellow-men would begin to fill it. This is what it means to keep the Lord’s commandments and to apply our hearts unto instruction. It means, not selfgratification, but self-abneeation. and self-Durification : it means that; in meekness &d humility, we must deny ourselves, and take up our cross daily, and follow Christ. This is the narrow way; walk ve in it. There is no other wav to life, and certainly no other way to the Kingdom, than. the wav of riphteousness. humilitv and true holiness, and of faith in -the LGd Jesus Christ, whose abundant merit, applied by faith, will make up for all our deficiencies that are not wilful. It is those who walk this narrow way that may even now enjoy the sweets of fellowship with the Father and our Lord

[2094]

JANIJ~.RY 15. 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(25-26)

Jesus and with all who are led of the spirit of God. Let as many, therefore, as would follow on to know the Lord, whom to know is life eternal, studiously apply their hearts unto instruction, and in meekness and humility receive the ingrafted word, and let it do its purifying work. Hear the exhortation, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. . . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” -James 4:7-10. Paul speaks of the great proflt to the Corinthian church of their humble recognition of and godly sorrow for sin, saying, “Now I rejoice . . . . that ye sorrowed to repent-

ante; . . . . for godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation; . . . . for behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you; yea, what clearing of yourselves; yea, what indignation; yea, what fear; yea, what vehement desire; yea! what zeal; yea, what revenge [against the evil]. In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” (2 Cor. 7 :Q-11 ) Such are the results of sober self-examination in the spirit of meekness and prayer and with a view to cleansing our hearts and minds from all the defilements of sin, both small and great. 0 Lord, keep thy servants in the way of thy commandments, in meekness and soberness, and let the rich reward of divine fellowship be ours, both here and M&9. M. F. RUSSELL. hereafter !

THE

LAME

MAN

HEALED

3 : l-16. “His name, through faith in his name, hath made this man strong.” and helpful manner. This is our dut as children of God. The stirring scenes of the day of Pentecost were past, (S-10) It is very evident that t Ee poor cripple was not and this lesson introduces us to another notable discourse by an impostor. for such a one instead of leaping about and the Apostle Peter, delivered probably not long after the day enjoying his-blessing, and praising God, would h&e regretted of Pentecost in company with the Apostle John. They had anv circumstance which would denrive him of the onnortunitv gone up to the temple at the hour of prayer. The clear intifo; preying upon the sympathiei of the people i; *order t> mation is that the apostles were praying men and that under avoid working for a living. the leading of the holy spirit they were guided in their minis(11, 12) We may reasonably suppose that the going of trations of the truths connected with the new dispensation Peter at this particular time to the temple was of premeditato the praying Jews, “devout” people, rather than to the tion; we may suppose that he had been there -frequently godless. And so it is with the true gospel ever since. There before: and that freauentlv before he as well as the others is a message or a call to repentance which is applicable to who attended at the *ternpie had seen this same cripple. If every member of the human family; but the special message Peter did not plan this particular visit and healing. we may of the gospel is not to the unregenerate, but to the repentant, reasonably suppose that the holy spirit planned and directed to the forgiven, to the reconciled. The Jews who assembled it for him. At all events the whole matter was very successto worship the Lord at the temple were of course not beful in that it drew the attention of the most devout, prayerful lievers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore were not justiJews to the Gospel of Christ. The Apostle Peter was quick fied by faith in his blood, but, under their Jewish covenant, to use any arid every opportunity to tell the good tidings. the Law covcnsnt. snd by means of its typical sacrifices, they He began by modestly assuring the people that it was nothing were up to this time typically justified as a people, and the wonderful in John and himself that had produced the mirgrace of God was offered to them from that standpoint: thev acle, and that the man was not cured either by their holiness were not treated as strangers, aliens, foreigners, but as heirs or bv their Dower. but bv the oowpr of the risen Christ of all the divine nromises and blessings. And as a ueoule It is worthy of noie that &although in addressing the the Jews continued to occupy this position for three and oneJesui. man Peter exercised his own faith only, yet now in speaking half year4 after our Lord’s crucifixion and their national reThe Lord’s favor according to promise continued of the matter he associates John with himself as a sharer in jection. with them individually until the full end of their “seventy whatever honor might belong to them as the instruments of God. How unselfish and how beautiful! What a lesson is weelo.“* (2, 3) At that time hospitals, homes for incurables, blind in this verse for all who attempt anv service for the Ring How uecessary that we should realize not only our asylums, poor houses, etc., ‘apparently were not thouiht of, of kiygs. own insufficiency and nothingness in connection with the and were not instituted RS we have them todav in civilized work of God, but bow proper that self should sink entirely lands; nor are they yet institutions in the East.” Thus public out of our thoughts and the glory all be given to Him whose alms-giving was probably considered a duty. We might here remark that, in our judgment, the course adopted by civilized right it is. (13-15) The apostle’s discourse as narrated was a short nations of taxing all propertv and wealth for the reasonable one. but well directed and rieht to the noint. Beeinninrr with and comfortable support of the incapable.9 of society is eminently proper, and should be so completely carried out as a statement bv which his hezrers would understand him’ to be to make public begging unnecessary. also a devou< Israelite, he proceeded dircctlp to the point(4-7) Peter’s statement would indicate that he at least Christ. a crucified and risen Saviour. Nor did he spare his w&3 a very poor man. “Silver and gold have I none.” hearers, but drove home the truth that the nation of Israel Although he said, “Look on US,” thus directing the cripple’s were the real crucifiers of God’s dear Son, even when a Roman attention to the Apostlr John as well as to himself; *yet. governor found no fault in him and desired to set him at speaking of their financial condition, he does not say, “Silver liberty. “Ye killed the Prince of life!” What a thought! They and cold have Ice none.” The fact is that there is aood ground for supposing that the Apostle John had some p;onall realized themselves as death-condemned and dying creaThey felt their need of life, eternal life, and had been erty. We remember that our Lord with his dying words tures. commended his mother to the care of *John-oossiblv not praying for it and hoping that according to the divine promise merely because of his love for John and John’s iove fo; him, it should come through Messiah, a Ssviour-a Life-giver, and but also because John had some means wherewith to care now they were almost staggered bv the Apostle’s words, “Ye killed the Prince of Life”-the Life-giver! It is presumed for M:,rv. We remember furthermore that the arcount states that John took Mary “into his oum home.“-John 19:27. that our Lord and the Apostles spoke in the Syriac htnguage; The Apostle Peter seems to have exercised his individual and in the Svriac version of the Nrw Testament the word gift in the healing of the cripple-“Such as I have give I “Life-giver” is” used where in the English the word “Saviour” thee.” Nevertheless. , it was not in his own name that thn The Apostle must have struck a very tender chord occurs. miracle was performed, but properly all credit was given to in the hooes and aspirations of these devout, prayerful Jews. the Lord Jesus. This was evidently not a case of “prayer We fancy them looking with incredulity, and saying within cure,” for we have no record that the Apostles prayed over themselves. “Could it be oossible that Jesus of Nazareth was the man, nor that they anointed him with oil in the name indeed the’ Messiah. the Life-giver?” of the Lord. It was -on the contrary an exercise of “the (16) While they were yet wondering on the subject, the gift of healing,” which was then with the church for the inspired Apostle quickly drew their attention to the evidences purpose of introducing the apostles and the gospel which they before them in the healing of the cripple, which attested the preached. truth of his declaration that Jesus was no longer dead but Although fullv conscious of the power of God operating risen. Here was iust such a miracle as those which he a few through him to “perform the miracle, Peter, apparently 6 months before had performed in their midst. It was another assist the exercise of faith on the Dart of the crionle. stretched of Jesus’ miracles; the apostles themselves performing it in forth his hand and helped him to his feet; thus illustrating his name and utterly disclaiming any ability to do such the propriety of acting according to our faith, and permitthings themselves. tina the influence of our faith to reach others in a natural (17-21) Thus pointing them to the fact that Jesus was still a living, powerful, sympathetic and gracious Saviour, l See MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. xx, Chap. 3. [ 2096’1

JAN. 24.-Acts

(27-28)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLEGHENY. FA.

hs urged them to repent, assuring them that it was God’s purpose to send great blessings through Jesus and to send Jesus himself back again a second time: assuring them also that at his second coming there would be an abundance of such manifestations as these which they had just witnessed. “Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you whom the heavens must receive [retain] until the times of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began.” Note that the Apostle began by expressing confidence in the “fathers” and in Israel’s hope, built upon Jehovah’s promise to’ them. Note also that after connecting those

promises and hopes with Christ and his sacrifice, and linking it with the cure of the cripple, he points them down to the Millennial age as the grand consummation-time for all the blessings, all the good things, which God had promised by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began. Is it any wonder that such testimony-both reasonable and mmprehensible-delivered to such devout Israelites, drawn together by a desire to worship the Lord, resulted as it did, in the conversion of about five thousand? As in the case of those noted in our last lesson, these were the “wheat” of that Jewish age, which the Lord was gathering out preparatory to the blinding of all the remainder of that people for the period of the Gospel age, at the close of which their blindness will be turned away.-Rom. 11:25, 26.

“THEY

HAD

BEEN

WITH

JESUS”

4: 1-14. “There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.” As the apostles were preaching Christ, taking for their have everv reason to -believe that the present movement in text the manifestation of his power through Peter in the favor of “Christian union” will eventuate in such a combihealing of the impotent man at the temnle aate “Beautiful.,’ nation of all the powerful and influential religious systems and while the devout worshipers heard *them gladly and rkRS to affect politics and laws, and put into the hands of pentantly, the theologians were disturbed; it seemed montheologians the power to head off the further advance of strous to them that any but themselves should undertake to divine truth and to ston the snirit-ordained ambassadors of teach the people, and that the people were giving more interChrist from teaching the people advanced truths respecting ested attention to these “laymen” than they gave to them,the close of this and the dawn of the new dispensation. the chief priests, religious rulers and doctors of the law. In Arrogantly accustomed to overawing the common people this they but manifested the usual worldly spirit, which in with their titles, learning and authority, the High Priest and every religious system except the true one manifests special all the priestly family, and the religious rulers, and elders, opposition to any light or teaching which does not emanate and learned scribes, met as a court to hear, to overawe, to from those recognized as “ordained” teachers. True, these browbeat and to condemn Peter and John for their temerity apostles were ordained by the very highest authority in the in attempting to teach the people. universe-the spirit and power of God, communicated by They were surprised when the two men whom they had Christ; but such ordination, such authority to teach, was not judged- from their general manner, dress, etc., to be “unrecognized by those doctors of divinity who, like their sucbut of the “common people,” adlearned,” not theologians, cessors to this day, failed to recognize the ordinations of dressed them meekly, simply, yet with holy boldness, concernGod and merely recognize human authorizations to preach. ina Jesus of Nazareth and his Dower to heal:-as much since Not only were they envious that others than themselves hi: crucifixion and resurrectioi as before. Peter if speaking should have the ear of the people for religious instruction, of himself might have been inclined to avoid mentioning th; but they had listened sufficiently to the discourse themselves euilt of his hearers in connection with the crucifixion of our to ascertain that the apostles were really imparting to the Lord; but as a chosen vessel for this very purpose he was people some knowledge of spiritual things. The people were specially under the control of the holy spirit; and, although actually being taught, and that upon subjects concerning in no bitter or acrimonious language, he told his hearers the which thev. the reconnized doctors of divinitv and theolopv. plain truth concerning their guilt as the crucifiers of Jesus, knew nothing and could teach nothing. If, *therefore, s& and showed them from the prophets that they had set at teachings were permitted, the worshipers would very soon naught the chief stone of the spiritual temple of God; but know more than their religious rulers. which would never do. that nevertheless God had highly exalted him to be the Head They were unable to tea& the people themselves, and were over the church. which is his bodv-the spiritual templenot humble enough of heart to receive instruction, and hence into which we as living stones are” being built up. were quite ready to be overcome by the spirit of envy, hatred There is no ambiguity in preaching done thus, under the and malice, against those whom the Lord had appointed and inspiration of the holv spirit: it is direct. to the point. Peter was using, while passing them by. They had power to stop did* not say that J&&s^ of Nazareth was one of the great the preaching ant1 to imprison the Apostles. and thev did. teachers of the world. and as worthv to be heard as Moses This same spirit was equally manifested, and &en more or Confucius or others; neither did he say, It makes no difunrighteously, by tho Roman Catholics during the dark ages: ference whether you ever hear of the historic Christ or not, they not only imprisoned but tortured and put to death those Peter’s spirit-in&red as some false teachers now declare. who ventured to instruct the people in spiritual things withteachings were evidently not at all in harmony with what out their permission, ordination, etc. This same snirit was is known as the “‘new theolow.” nor with what is known as manifested-to a considerable extent by the reformers also, we “” the “higher criticism,” nor with ’ what is known as the “broad are sorry to say: Calvin, Luther, and numbers in authority theology,” espoused by the Chicago Parliament of Religions, in the Episcopal church from the sixteenth to the eighteenth and advocated bv manv of the “areat theologians” of our dav. centuries were similarly grieved with efforts to instruct the Peter gave the” messige dire& and with-force--“There ‘Is people outside their own channels: and the same spirit to a none other rtame given, under heaven or among men, whereby co&derable extent followed some who fled from pe&cutions, In these words he told his learned hearwe must be saved.” in the Mavflower. to this free land. We need not accuse anv ers that there was no hope of salvation in Moses and in the of theso of intentional wrong: thev lived in a time wh% Law, any more than in the heathen systems of theologyreligion and politics wcro blended, -and they verily thought that knowledge of, and faith in, and obedience to Christ was thcp did God service in opposing as they did that which they the only God appointed way of salvation. caonsidercd to bc “heresy.” Had they opposed the heresy with What could they say! What could they do ! under such forrc of logic* and S,rripturf, mrrrly, and sought thus to vancircumstances ? They had utterly failed to overawe these qnisl, what they believrd to be errors, with what they believed humble fishermen, and instead had received a discourse from to bc truth, they would not, only have been worthy of apthem, which was wholly unexpected under such conditions. nrov’ll, bnt also of admiration. and thev might have been They were not in the humble attitude of heart to he affected jrd into tlnl truth; but their zeal misled” them into the use as were the three thousand who on the day of Pentecost were of unju<t mrans, and they more or less fought against God. pricked to the heart and converted; nor were they of the But br it noted, all these improper efforts were unavailing to humble, worshipful, teachable spirit of the five thousand suppress the truth. ant1 mcrrlv srrvcd to purify and refine worshipers who had been converted bv hearing the apostles tho saints, as “gold tried in the furnace.” in the‘ temple the day before. They”could d; nothing but Intelligence and liberty during the last centurv have to a marvel. But thev took knowledge of the fact. that the same largo extent annulled the power- of the spiritual -rulers, and meek and quiet ipirit of Jesus- was in these, his disciples, logic, directness of discourse and unwillinglv confined their opposition against advancine truth and the same powerful to ana&mas, excommuni&Gons, insi&ations as to-“unorhumility of manner. thodox.” and social ostracism. And as each reform grew in So let it be with each of us! the followers of Jesus! If strength and asserted itself, these oppositions gradually died wc have opportunity for testifying to his grace and gospel, out ;-as, for instance, the opposition to the “Quakers,” to let us not fear to declare the whole counsel of God. but let “Baptists,” to “Disciples,” and others. But as we read the us not do it rudely nor unkindly, but with the gentleness signs of the times in the light of the divine revelation, we and force which are of the spirit of the truth.
”

JAN. 31.-Acts

[2096]

VOL. XVIII

ALLEGHENY,

PA.,

FEBRUARY

1, 1897

No. 3 -

“YE ARE BOUGHT

WITH

A PRICE”*

1 con 6:20. Adam sold himself and the posterity yet in his loins to sin, What different sentiments these inspired words awaken for a momentary gratification of self-will, meant not only his in different hearts! To the heart of the natural man these own enslavement, but also that all of his posterity would be sentiments are very objectionablef but to the heart fully in born in such slavery to sin. And such are the facts of the harmony with God and the divine plan they are precious case. All of his posterity can say with one of old, “I was words, full of comfort and iov. The unregenerate heart, full born in sin and shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother of pride, convinces itself th”ai it did not &ed to be bought; conceive me.” that it did not need to be redeemed; that it had no very serious ailment of sin. It is perhaps ready to admit, and Here we come to the thought which was evidently in the would surely find it difficult to dispute, that it is imperfect; minds of some of the early reformers when they promulgated that tried in the balances of justice it would be found wantthe doctrine of total depravity, which is held by many at least ing; but to itself these lacks of perfection are very slight, theoretically, but from which we must dissent. We hold and deserving of but trivial punishment of some kind, and with the Scriptures that as a result of Adamic transgression that nunishment it exnects to bear and believes that it does there is a general depruwitt~ which extends to every member bear ati the full in eirthly troubles. The natural heart beof the human family, so that “there is none righteous, no, lieves in a great First Cause, of some kind, which it calls not one:” but we denv that this depravity is a total deGod: it believes also in certain laws of nature which it holds individual- of the human race is pravity ;’ we deny that”any are irrevocable and unalterable. It denies that there is fortotally, hopelessly, in every particular, wholly without anygiveness. It is therefore wholly out of harmony with the thing that is good or commendable. The only sample of total gospel proposition of a “Sin-offering,” a “runsom for all,” and depravity of which we have any clear knowledge is Satan consequent forgiveness of sins under the terms of the New himself. the father of lies and of every wicked work. Covenant, to whomsoever will accept the conditions. But’ general depravitv is general Enough ; and, being genThis class of unbelievers is in many respects the most eral, no man should have snv diillcnltv in finding to some hopeless; because thev have a sort of worldlv-wise nhilosonhv extent the portion of it which he himself has inherited, as which so fills their minds that it hinders them from-seeing-thk well as discerning it in others. True. although the depravity benutv of the true Bible nhilosonhv. Tbev are usuallv blind is general, it is not alike general. Some are more depraved to the very simplest log& that ‘could to&h this ques’tion as than others; some have the original moral likeness of God less presented in the Scriptural declarations, “The wages of sin hlurred and defaced than others. In harmonv with the Scripis death,” and “The soul that sinneth. it shall die.” While ture statement that we are born in sin, every discerning perthey cannot and do not claim perfection, it seems never to son whose eyes have been opened to what depravity is can note have occurred to them that all imperfection is unrighteousthe evidences of it even in childhood. Self-will and pasaionness, sin, and that the judgment of a perfect God would ate obstinacy are often to be noted in infants but a few weeks properly and naturally be the destruction of that which he old, and very patient should the parent be, as well ss very does not approve, and the blessing and perpetual continuance attentive and thorough the correction of his child, when he of those things only which are acceptable in his sight. perfect remembers that the iery traits which need correction have things and perfect beings. Not until this view is grasped Thus the Christian come down to the child from himself. are any properly prepared for the message of the gospel-the narcnt should be not onlv the most thorough in the matter message that God is operating in Christ for the reconciliation ‘of training up a child in” the way it should go, but nlso the of the world unto himself. Only as the natural man learns most natient. considerate and kind in giving tbie corr&ion. that “the wages of sin is death” does he anureciate the fact We have then before our mind4 thd’fact‘antl general prevathat eternal ‘life is a gift of God through -Jesus Christ, our lence of sin and whence it comes; and we see tile force of the Lord; so that “he that hath the Son hath life, and he that Apostle’s words when he personifies sin as a tyrant master, hath not the Son of God hath not life” eternal.-1 John 5:12. and represents mankind as his slaves, to whom he pays his But our inspired text gives offense to the natural man. “The wages of win is death.” We have seen wages-death. and to the man ‘fallen from-grace, in another respect; it hurts that God is not blamable for thin enslavmlent. but. as the his nride. It imnlies that he is beine treated as a mere slave. Rcrintures declare. it was bv one man’s tli~obt~dience that all or chattel, to be bought and sold. What could~be more galling were brought under the power of sin ant1 bubjccted to the than such a thought to the proud, unregenerate heart? While the extrcbnrc wages only are wages which it pays. Nevertheless, this thought is kept up throughout the mentioned-death-yet before the paymc~nt of thr full wages, Scriptures, and the meek, the humble-minded, alone are able we all received incidentally many of tbc a&es nnd pains and to appreciate it. Thev hear the anostle’s statement that all difficulties, mental, physical and moral. imposed by this great were -%old under sin” (Rom. 7: 14)) and they realize the task master, sin. And as a groaning crrrltion travailing in truthfulness of the declaration. Thev find abundant evidence pain together under this hard-task-ma>trr and quffrring from in themselves and in the entire ra;e that all mankind are his cruel lashes. all long for delivrrance. and some of us “slaves to sin;” they find “the law of sin in their members” have cried out to God for help-for +tlwtion from sin and and in others. Tbev find the Dower of sin so strone that it death, into righteousness and life. cannot be broken by any; tha%, although it may b: fought God wishes us to learn very thoroughly the lesson of the against, nevertheless it holds over all mankind a mastery “exceeding sinfulness of sin,” of its gall and bitterness, and which the enslaved ones cannot fully overcome. They see of the hopelessness of any deliverance, except that which he thus, in the apostle’s words representing sin as a great task will provide. Personal csperience has proved to us that we master ruling the world, a very grim but very truthful piccannot deliver ourselves from this slavery, that, in order ti ture of the facts. Thev inquire of the Word of God. How overcome the wicked one and his wiles and arts, which take comes it that God, himself good, pure and perfect, has brought firm hold of us because of the weaknesses of our flesh and forth human children under such a bondaee to sin throuph through the fall, we need a power that we do not by nature imperfection? They inquire, Do not the Scriptures declare possess. Finding ourselves powerless to help ourselves, we of God, “His work is perfect?” Why then this imperfection, would naturally look to each other for aid; and indeed might why this subjection to the power of sin? An answer can get some aid from each other; but we all know how little aid come from one quarter only-the Word of God; and that And when can be given or received from natural sources. answer is the only satisfactory answer, the only one which we learn the lesson which the Scriptures tear11 that all are meets all the requirements of the conditions as they are known alaves, that all were sold under sin, that “there is none right to men. eous, no, not one,” then we see the utter helplessness of our That answer is, that, although God’s work was perfect in condition as a race. All who realize the situation and feel the the creation of man. vet the creature, being endowed with ErrFG;;nd seek deliverance may thus see that the only hope free moral agency, rebelled against the law-of his Creator . If they reflect that rt was God lnmself who proand thus by self-will, self-gratification, brought himself under nounced the sentence of death, and that he could not annul the sentence previouslv prescribed-“Dving thou shalt die.” his own sentence nor transgress his own laws. let them reflect This deliberate act on” the part of our-first parent not only also that as he has super&r power to ours. he has also supebrought himself under this nenaltv. but since his nosteritv rior wisdom, and that 11~may know how to do that which to proc&deti from himself, all of his p&terity shared in-his subus woulrl seem an imposqlhility. jection to death, and in the slavery to sin consequent to his And tbic: was the *case: \Z’ben tbrrcl was no eye to pity alienation from God and his failing powers as he gradually and no arm to deliver. then God nitird ant1 his arm (IWW~Ipassed under the power of death. So then the fact that father in Christ) brought salvation. (Pie. 6iR:20) But ho\;? How wudinnr to 1w just will (;oI! tklivci ? How can Got1 llimwlf [See June 15, 1919, issue critical examination covenant articles ]
I Y

[20971

(31

33

(33-34)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLEGHENY,

Pn

and yet release his condemned creatures from the sentence of his own law? Our text answers: God provided that these slaves of sin, sold into slavery by disobediince of their father Adam, are to be delivered bv a ereat Saviour. who first of all would purchase them and “afterowards set free all who will accept freedom upon his terms and conditions. The price in the original sale was disobedience, and its sentence death; the price of the purchase was obedience unto death. Not only so, but, this is expressed in the meaning of the word “ransom,” a corresnondine nrice: the redemntion price by which the race is purchasedUkust correspond i’n all particulars to the original sentence. The purchase price, the ransom price, must in every sense of the word correspond to that which was forfeited by the transgression. Adam was perfect as a man before he sinned, hence, whoever will be his redeemer must be a perfect man. A perfect angel would not do, nor would a perfect arch-angel & a suitab&, price; they would be as inadequate as a sacrifice to meet the conditions. as an imperfect man would be, or a lower animal. God has placed the matter in such a form by his own law and sentence, that only a perfect malt could be a ransom, a corresponding price,‘for ihe. perfect man who sinned, and in whom the whole race of mankind had been sold under sin and under its penalty, death. It was in order to prepare the great sacrifice for sin, and in harmony with the divine wisdom and plan, that the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, full of perfection. submitted himself to the Father’s will. that he should humble himself to (without dying) be transierred or tlanslated from his high and glorious nature and condition to a lower nature and condition. lower than that of the arch-angel. lower than that of ordinary angels, down to the condition”oi man;-not to the condition of sinful man, but to the proper condition in which God had created man (in which Adam was Obedient to this arrangement, our Lord before he sinned). Jesus “was made flesh,” became of the same nature as the rare which had gone into the slavery of sin, but he did not share in its sin nor in its imperfections. The apostle’s declaration is that, in harmonv with this divine nuruose. our Lord, the only begotten of the ‘pather, left the glory-of l& original nature and “was made flesh” and dwelt amone us. and that for the purpose “that he. hy the grace of Go;, shbuld taste death for excry man.” When, therefore, our Lord appeared in this humble condition, divested of the glories of his orisinal spirit nature. humhied to human con&tions, it was n’ot that he had died to his Drevious sniritual condition. for. although he came to die, lie had not’ yet died. It wa$ the ntort Christ .Jcsus who pare himself our ransom in death, and not the spirit brine who nreviouslv became the man: the humbling ‘from spirit condi6nns to human conditions, laying aside of the glorv whirl1 he had with the Father before the world ~RS. a;&1 i;eclominp poor for our sakes, was onlv incidental to his great sacrifice begun at Jordan.and finis’hed at Calvary. But the man Christ Jesus was the same one who previnuslv had been rich in spiritual nature and glory, and who could and did sav. “Before Abraham was I am.,’ thus particularly empha4ziga the fact that he had not ceised to exist at any time in the transfer of his being from the higher to the lower condition. Had our Lord been born as the son of Joseph, or received 111s life from any other human source, he would have been a partaker of the sentence upon our race, and of the weaknesses of the fallen flesh, and of the slavery to sin through that weakness. And the Scriptures are very careful to point out to us that hiq life did not come through such a channel and that it had none of this imperfection, declaring that “in him was no sin.” He was holv, harmless, separate from sinners: although partaker of human nature, he w’as not a partaker 04 a fallen human nature, but of its nerfection. If it is inauired whether he did not receive conta&nation, sinful nature: etc., throuKb his moth(~r. we rep!y, No: nnd we are ready to support the testimon? of the \5ord of God by showing its reasonahlenecq upon phllosol~ltical principles. But for this phase of the GuhJe& we mu-t refer our readers to an article under the One,” in our issue of July ‘90. caption. “The I’ndefilcd He who came to be our Ransomer, our Purrhaser. to pay for us the debt on account of whi& we were all made slaves to sin and death, was in fullest sympathy with the divine purpose, and made haste so that at the very earliest moment posqihle he began the work which the Father had given him was a to do. Since Adam at the time of his transgression Derfect man. ant1 iince under the law manhood was reckoned as heginning at the thirtieth year, therefore, it was needful that our Lord should delav the work of sacrifice on our behalf until he had become in the full legal sense the man Jesus; then he hegan the work by consecrating himself even unto death, baptism in water being the symbol of this; and during
Y

the three and a half years which followed he was but carrying out that covenant of death, dying daily; and at the close of three and a half years he could sav unon the cross “It is I A finished.” What was finished? the release of the slaves of sin ? No : the slaves of sin for whose redemption he gave his life were still in bondage their slavery was not finished. What was finished? The sacrifice was finished, nothin more; it was not yet even accepted. The presentation of t% at sacrifice on our behalf and its acceptance by the Father did not take place until nearly fifty days after he who redeemed us had been raised from-the dead by the Father’s power thus giving assurance to all that his work was well and satisfactorilv done and that it would be accepted in due time. And h; ascended up on high and, as the &gh Priest appeared before the Father and applied his merit on our behalf as believers. The sacrifice offered, the price paid is sufficient; it covers every member of the human family. For since all men came under the slavery of sin and under the sentence to death through the transgression of Adam, now that the corresponding price has bea pati for Adam, it implies full satisfaction for all the posterity of Adam the sharers of his sentence. The race had been bought; and more than this, the world had been bought, including the earth itself, because the earth was given to -man as his rnheritance, and &hen he himself became a slave, all of his possessions Dassed with him into the slaverv of sin, -and so thecurse has r&ted upon the world. And no& that Adam and his race have been bought, how could it mean less than the redemption also of the earth from the dominion of the curse ? But we see not yet the earth’s release from the curse, we see not yet mankind delivered from the slavery to sin, we see that still the race is going down daily into death; “Dying thou shalt die” is still written against the race of Adam. Why is this so? The Scriptures,-and the Scriptures only, answer this question. Thev declare that God is at nresent selecting the “royal priesth;od’, and-“joint-heirs with &rist,“, who shall by and by share with him in the Kingdom which shall break off the shackles of sin and open the prison doors of death and set free all the captives who long for freedom upon the divine conditions. This, we remember, was our Lord’s declaration on this subject: He declared at his first advent that the ultimate resilt of his work would be “to proclaim liberty to the captives and the oneninE of the orison to them that -are bound.‘, (Isa. 61: 1 ; Luke 3 : 18 i k, we gladly accept the divine arrangement and realize it to be best, so we must also accept the divine times and seasons, and realize that they are wisely ordained; and indeed all whose eyes are anointed with L nresent truth mav alreadv ” see ” much of” this wisdom. While all mankind, therefore, have been bought, so far as our Lord Jesus’ sacrifice is concerned, it being once for all. nevertheless, the only ones who are y&t receive> of the Lord; who are yet brought into relationship to him through Christ, are those who recognize his sacrifice, and who, whether they understand the subject philosophically or not, believe what the Scriptures so distinctly declare, that we were bought with a price-the precious blood of Christ. It is this class that the Anostle addresses: these who realize that thev were slaves of sib and who now iealize that they have been bought with the precious blood of Christ, and who having accepted of him and his power to save, are no longer yielding themselves as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but are seeking to yield themselves as servants of righteousness unto God. It would be useless for the Apostle to address any others than these in this manner, but pertinent and forceful is his argument to those who realize the true situation, and who are clinging to Christ as their Redeemer who shall ultimately be their Deliverer. To these he says,-“Ye are not your own.” Your time, your talent. vour influence. vour money, all that you con&d& precious .o; in any degree ;aluable, all properly belongs to God. It was not only his by right, in that it originally was his creation, because all that we have that is vahiable -in any sense of tLe word, has come horn the heavenlv Father: but now it is his in a second sense, in the se&e that he has redeemed or bought it back from the destruction to which by sin our first parent delivered it. The Apostle uses this argument as though it should be a conclusive one with all who are rieht-minded: and so we believe it is. And those who are rrghtly exercised by this knowledge of divine grace in Christ not only accept the forgiveness of sins with thankfulness and iov. and with meekness and humility acknowledge that the? “6ere slaves of sin and that they were redeemed therefrom, but they also gladly acknowledge the new Ruler, the Purchaser, and that to him they owe all they have and all they ever hope to be.

[2098]

Fssau~~r

1. 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(34-36)

Personal responsibility to the Redeemer who purchased, and to the heavenly Father who provided the gracious arrangement, lies at the foundation of all true consecration to God in Christ. As soon as the believing, grateful, justified one hears of the blessing that has come to him, he properly inquires, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” He finds that the new Master does not wish for any except voluntary servants, and that, having provided them release from the sentence of death, he nevertheless would permit them, if they chose, to go back and become again voluntarily the servants of sin, and to receive the wages of sin, the second death, as the reward for their voluntary submissron again to that taskmaster. He learns that to be the servants of the new Master is a great privilege, a privilege that is enjoyed by all who have the proper spirit. Such hear the words of the Apostle, “I beseech you, brethren! by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, and your reasonable service.” They see the apostle’s own example, how, laying aside not only the works of the

flesh and the devil, but also laying aside earthly ambitions, aims, prospects and hopes, he gave himself, his time, talent, influence and all he had to the service of the new Master, the Redeemer, and thus to God. They read in his living epistle, in his trials and triumphs through faith in Christ, lessons which some of them at least heartily accept; and as a consequence there have been throughout this Gospel age some who have been glad to own themselves as the bond-servants (slaves) of the Lord Jesus Christ and of God. At the opening of the new year, what lesson could be more important to us than this one, that we are not our own, but belong to another; that we are not, therefore, to seek to please ourselves, but to please him, nor to seek to serve self but to serve him, nor to seek or obey self will, but on the contrary his will. This means holiness in the most absolute and comprehensive sense of the word (not only separation from sin to righteousness, but separation from self to the will of God in Christ).

THE

SALT

OF THE

EARTH

AND

THE

LIGHT

OF THE

WORLD

5:13, 14. “Ye are the salt of the earth. . . . Ye are the light of the. world.“-Matt. thou,” but which, on the contrary, says, “I am no better Salt and light are two essentials to humanity, and in than thou, except for the influences of divine grace, which are nature both are abundantly supplied. Salt enters largely into the composition of both animal and vegetable organisms, and free to all who will accept them. By grace, I am what I am; vet still mv shortcomings necessitate the merit of my all-sufits use as a condiment is much apprecyated and-to a greater &cient Ad<ocate.” It d not necessarv that these sentiments or less extent reauired bv both man and beast. At a verv early stage of human pro”gress salt became an important eleshould be expressed in words; for actions speak louder than words, and their testimonv is much more potent. The testiment of commerce. and it is believed that the verv oldest mony of a holy walk and Conversation cannot fail to be to the trade routes were created for -traffic in this needful akd much alorv of God. to the wisdom and excellence of righteousness, valued commodity. Among inland peoples a salt spring was &I the reproof of unrighteousness, and to the fact of a coming regarded as a special gift of the gods, and so a religious judgment in which righteousness shall surely triumph.-John significance began bv and bv to attach to it: and it was, 16:8; Acts 24:25. therefore, as R” preci”ous sub&me, mingled with their offer“Salt is good,” said Jesus, referring to its symbolism of ines to the gods. Homer voiced this sentiment. calline salt purity, righteousness, and to its cleansing, healing and predivine; and Plato referred to it as “a substance dear t”o the influence; “have salt [purity, righteousness] in gOd~.JJ ~~~%,es.” (Mark 9 :GO) If we have not the salt in ourIn harmony with its uses and its general appreciation the selves, how can we be the salt of the earth? If we are not trrm salt early came to have a generally recognized symbolic truly and sincerely righteous, how can we exert upon others significance (which our Lord utilized and perpetuated) to the cleansing, healing influence? Mere outward profession teach important lessons, both under the old dispensation of of righteousness will not avail as a substitute for the salt the law and under the new dispensation of grace. As a savory Mere profession has no healof actual and sincere holiness. article of diet, it symbolized hospitality; and as an antiing properties, and can never fulfill our obligations toward septic it signified durability, fidelity, purity. Hence the Bible the world. Therefore, let us have the salt of actual holiness expression “a covenant of salt” (Num. 18:19), as covenants in ourselves; so shall we be known and read of men to the were ordinarilv made over a sacrificial meal in which salt praise of God. was an important element. “With all thine offerings thou shnlt offer salt.” (Lev. 2: 13) The nreservative aualities of Under this same sneaking svmbol our Lord also adds a word of warning, say&g,--“If the salt have lost his savor, salt make it, when’s0 used, a fittingLsymbol of an enduring wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth compact. The purifying property of salt was referred to in UOO~ fof its symbolic use by Elisha in his miracle of the healing of nothimu. but to be cast out. and to be trodden under foot’of the waters.-2 Kings 2:20-22. men.” “‘So if the Christian who once had the salt of rightThe symbolism of salt, therefore, in the above words of eousness in himself should turn again like the sow that was our Lord, is clearlv this-that the influence of the true Chriswashed to her wallowing in the mire; if he should wilfully tian upon the world is a healing, purifying influence, tending and persistently fall away from his righteousness, he is alwnvs to the nreservation of that which is eood from the “thenceforth aood for nothina.” (Heb. 6:4-8; 10:26-31, 38, 39) v adverse eleme&s of putrefaction and decay. v “Ye are the How important tlien that wi not only have salt in ourselves, salt of the earth.” How significant the comparison ! but that we continue to retain its healthful nronerties! These words also indicate a responsibility on the part of This same class Jesus also declared to be-“the light of the Christians toward the world in general. Though they are not world.” Although they do not yet shine forth as the sun in of the world. even as Christ was not of the world (John the kinndom of God for the enlinhtenine of the whole world, 17 :16), but separated from it. a peculiar People, chosen of they are nevertheless luminous e;en now, and their light may God, they are *not to forget that -this very separation and shine within a smaller radius for the blessing of all who ~111 exaltation to fellowshin, communion and co-oneration with receive it. And the Lord’s soliritudc for the henlghtecl world, God, is, not to cultivate’ in them a pride of aristocracy, but as well as for his saints, is shown in his eshortition to the for the purpose of blessing the world; for God so loved the latter to let their lizht shine. “Let vour light so shine before world that he gave his onlv begotten Son to redeem them men, that they may see your gnod works,- and glorify your (John 3: 16)) aud Christ likewise’so loved the world as freelv He also counsels the setting Father which is in heaven.” to become the instrument of Jehovah for its salvation.-John of our light in a position where it mov dispel as much as 6:51; 10:18; Heb. 2:9; Rom. 5:18, 19. possible of the darkness of this world. We are therefore not We note -further that these statements are in the present to put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick. Zeal for the tense,-Ye are the salt and the light,-even now, before the Lord needs no further exhortation to this dutv and privilege; time for the general blessing of all the families of the earth for, like him, all who have his spirit or di$osition in the through the church glorified. We call to mind also the exmatter will find in this dutv and nrivilene their meat and hortation of the Apostle Paul: “Walk in wisdom toward It will be their joy b let the light that has illumidrink. them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech nated their darkness-the light of Gocl’s truth and of his be alwavs with erace seasoned with salt.” the annetizine salt holy spirit-shine out through tbcm upon the darkness of of purit$, righgousness, truth.-Col. 415, 6. AI others. o -The proper attitude of the Christian toward the world is Thus, through the salt and the light of God’s people, a thus shown to be, not that of a nroud. stoical indifference, measure of blessing comes to the world, even before its day but that of a noble, generous, loving benevolence which, while of blessing. And at this end of the age we mav wit11 some it keeps entirely separate from its spirit, from its unholy degree of ‘definiteness sum up their effects. a little observaaims, ambitions and doings, is ever ready to bless and, by tion shows that all the blessings of temporal urosneritv inprecept and example, to point to the way of life and holiness, cluded under the term %ivilization” are d*ue to ihe influences, It is not that attitude which proudly says, “I am holier than direct and indirect, of those comparatively few people who, [2099]

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLBCHBNY,

Fa

during this Gospel age, have been the salt of the earth and the llrht of the world. Civilization is simDlv the indirect result=of the measures of salt and light t&t” have been in the world up to this present time. The faithful people of God have held up the light of divine truth as prominently as they could; and from it they have reasoned of righteousness and of a coming judgment; they have endeavored to salt the minds of men with as much as possible of the knowledge of the principles of righteousness exemplified in their own characters, and have urged their adoption; and to the extent to which these have operated the world has been profited. The Lord, who foresaw the end from the beginning, knew that, with all their salt and all their light. his DeoDle would not be able to accomplish for the world ‘In general &ore than this, until the appointed time for their exaltation with himself to power and great glory. But even this work of civili-

zation is of great value as preparatory to the greater future work of restitution, and also in facilitating the special work of this Gospel age, of taking out a people prepared for the Lord, kings and priests unto God, the bride of Christ. Then, beloved heirs of the promises of God, to whom it is the Father’s good pleasure to give the Kingdom, “have ualt and forget not that, being thus salted, ye are in yourselves,” the salt of the earth, so that your very presence is a rebuke to iniquity, and its continuance a living testimony to the beauty of holiness and the power of divine grace. Let us endeavor also to focus the light of divine truth and its holy spirit that from the glowing focus of a chastened and purified character the light may radiate again to the blessing of all who will heed it, to the warning of all who will not, and to the praise of the great center and source of all lightMRS. M. F. RUSSELL. God himself.

QUESTIONS

OF GENERAL
THE EPISTLE

INTEREST

CONCERNING

OP JAMES

Question. 1 notice in the columns of the WATCH TOWEB freauent reference to the EDistle of James. aDDlvine its stateme&s to Christian belie&s, the same ‘as- ‘t,$e Gther New Testament writings. In the October ‘96 issue you called attention to the remarkable fulfilment before our eves of a prophecy by James (5: l-8) ; and his exhortation, *“Be patient, brethren,” you applied to Christian believers. Also frequently you have quoted James 1: 18, applying it to Christians in the TOWER discussing Faith and Prayer Cures. etc., vou cited James 6:14-l& claiming that it referred to Chris‘tians seriously sick as a ‘chastiseGent for sins of omission or commission, and that the prayer should be for the forgiveness of confessed sins and the restoration of the transgressor to divine favor, as in verse 16;-and that the word “if” of verse 15 would be better translated though, etc. And finally, in the January 1 issue I page 7 ) , discussing the true Israel, POU apply James 1: 1, as ‘%e&ing- the true Jews residing in -v&ious Darts of the civilized world. to whom the EosDel was vre&hed “first” (Acts 3:26) and who believed-rnaiy ‘of them ‘at and shortly a&r Pentecost. Now mv auestion is, How can we harmonize these teachings with “an’ article which appeared in the WATCH TOWEB, May 15. 1892, representing the Epistle of James as addressed not to Christians but to Jews? You are correct in supposing that the two posiAnswer. tions are antagonistic and not barmonizable. The article to which you refer last, as being in conflict with our general presentations, was not an editorial article. Nevertheless, the Editor does not claim that his negligence in the matter is a sufficient excuse. It is a part of his duty to be critical, and to exclude whatever his jidgment does not approve; and he now nromises that bv the Lord’s grace he will hereafter be still horr careful of his stewardship,-to the end that ZION% WATCH TOWER map ever speak as an oracle of God. yaw that thiR matter is rorrected a weight is lifted from our ronqc4ence. Had the article in question been an editorial WC would havr correrted it long ago.
WAS MOTHER EVE RANSOMED?

If it be true, as you seem to prove that the Question. Scriptures teach, that the man Christ Jesus gave himself as the rnnsom or correaDonding mice for Adam, and an ungenerated race in his lo&s for ‘%e ungenerated race of Ada6 in his loins at the time of his disobedience and which since born has 4~ared, naturally, every feature of his sentence,-how wol~ld it be with >lot.hcr Eve? She was not in Adam at the time of transgression, but was a separate individual accountahlc for hrr own deeds and the first to participate in the sin of diqobedience and hence a sharer before Adam in the sentence of tlrnth. How was her ransom paid? Or was it ever paid, and will she ever be released from the sentence? Originallv. Eve was a Dart of Adam’s bodv: and .4n.wcr. after she wnq secarat& from him physically she was n’bt separated from him actually; but, as he expressed it, she was still hone of his hone and flesh of his flesh;-they were not t?crlin but one flesh. Adam was not given to Eve to be her help-mate, hut she ERR given to him to be a help meet (suitable) for him. Not that this signified a right on Adam’s part to treat Eve as a slnvr. or to be cruel, or abusive, or even unkind to her, as some of the fallen race today seem to suppose. Quite the contrary, Adam was a true man and loved, planned for and cared for Eve “as his own body.” In the divine division care had been taken to adapt each to the Adam, the stronger physically and menother’s nercssities. tally, enjoyrd having just such a helper as needed his care Eve. as the “weaker vessel,” possessed delicacy of and 10~

mind and manner as well as of physique which drew toward her the tenderest and noblest sentiments of her royal husband, whose pleasure it was to grant her a share in all the blessings and-honors of his realm; as a queen. But thev were not twain. but one: and of that one Adam was the head. In dealing with them God did not recognize them separately but as one. Adam represented not only his own individual person but also his wife’s Derson; for she was %a own body,” ‘ ‘bone of my bone and flesh of -my flesh;“she was part of himself. Hence it is written, “All in Adam die.” Eve’s identity was so linked with A&am’s that, even if she had not sinned in partaking of the forbidden fruit, she would as part of him, as his partner, have shared his penalty-death. And, similarly, although Eve was “first, in the transgression,” her act did not imperil the race; because the race was not in her, but in Adam. (1 Cor. 15:22) It was “By one ~QA’S disobedience” that “sin entered into the world and death by [as the result of] sin.“-Ram. 5: 12-19. Moreover, it is evident that, the accountabilit,y being in Adam as the head of the familv. Eve’s deceDtion and transgression need not necessarily hiie brought heath even upon herself: she probably would have been disciplined, however. The principle of this judgment is shown by the Lord under the Law Covenant, which, formulated by the same Creator. upheld the same arrangement and recognized the husband and father as in every way the head and representative of the family. For ins&ce, ;f any man vowed 8. vow t,o the Lord he could not escape it; but if a wife or a daughter vowed a vow unto the Lord it was void except as ratified by the husband or father. (Num. 30:2, 5, 8, 13, 10) In other words. God has not only established the family relationship by the laws of nature in adapting the man to be the head of the familv and the woman to be his helter. but he clearlv express:d this in the Law given to Israil which iq “honorible.” “just” and “good.“-Rem. 7 : 12. Looking along these strongly marked lines of divine providence we can see clearly that Eve had recognition of the Lord only as a part of Adam: hence we can see that this not only involved her in his transgression and its penalty, death, but also that the redemption 63 Adam implied also t6e redemption of Eve as a Dart of Adam. “his bodv.” This close relationship between the-husband and wife in ihe divine order is clearli stated by the Apostle Paul.-Eph. 6:22-33. Now many marriages are not after the divine pattern. The fall of the race, mentally, morally and physically, has affected its various members, some more and some less. All men and all women have lost more or less of the noble character possessed by the first perfectly adapted pair. It is not surprising, therefore, that there are now many mis-fit unions and consequent unhappiness; especially when the divine order of adaptability is not recognized. Following the divine model a man should avoid marrying a woman who is his superior as much as one who is his inferior: because in the inferior he could not have real fellowship, she being unequal as a mate in life: while with the superior there would be a continual confli& because of his i&apacity to fill properly the office of husband or head to a suDerior. Likewise a woman should guard specially against ma’rrying a man her inferior, whom she could not look up to as a fit husband and head of the family according to the divine command, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Savior of the body.“Eph. !i:22, 23.

[21001

FEBRUARY

1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER wife, who is a part of himself, but also of his minor children, in matters of general welfare, just as it was with Israel, and The endeavor in iust as it was before sin entered Eden. modern times to destroy the unity of the family and to make husband and wife twain instead of one is in harmony with other delusions after which mankind are clutching in the hope of thereby remedying present evils. The mothers who have no influence upon their husbands and sons, and the sisters who have no influence upon their brothers and fathers, thereby prove themselves unworthy of a franchise. Those who have such an influence have no need of a franchise, are better in harmony with the Lord’s order.

As man has sunken into barbarism, woman sank with him; as man has risen in civilmatlon, woman has risen with him; so also have man’s subjects, the lower animals, and the vegetable kingdom, been cursed or blessed by his degradation or elevation. It is the operation of the divine law. The schools and seminaries for girls are the provisions of the men as truly as are the schools for boys. The gradual changing of the laws, adapting them to the advancing civilization, takes cognizance of woman’s rising conditions as well as of man’s, yet these laws are framed by men. Human laws, based upon divine laws, take cognizance of the husband and father as the representative not only of his

“THE

SPADE

AND

THE

BIBLE”

“It has been tacitly assumed by the critical school that the art of writing was practically unknown in Palestine before the age of David. Therefore little historical credence can be placed in the earl records of the Hebrew people. The events not being recorde II at the time of their occurrence, the Bible history of them became traditional and mythical before they were finally written. “Even Renan allies himself to this theory in his ‘History of Israel.’ He distinctly says that writing was unknown in the day of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and laughs at the mistakes of Moses. “In 1888, some Fellahin in upper Egypt, while digging for nitrous soil to enrich their gardens, accidentally dug in upon certain clay tablets. It was a discovery, and the scholSeveral hundred tablets were ars were soon on the trail. found. Prof. Sayce, of Oxford, has been at work deciphering these tablets found at Tel El Amarna, and what do they turn out to be, now that they are deciphered9 They turn out to be documents older than the Exodus, and copies of letters between Egypt and the nations of the East. Among these are communications from Palestine. From these tablets Prof. Sayce tells us that he learns that knowledge was far advanced in that early period, and that philosophy and That ancient period had advanced science were common. schools of learning. and many cities had as a uossession large public libraries. ‘For example, the old name of Hebron, a town of Judah. was Kiriath-Senher: this was the name of the town before the Hebiews t;ok it. That name literally means Book-Town, and it was called Book-Town because it was the seat of a public library. That was away back, centuries before the organization of the kingdom of Israel. “But this is not all. What is more remarkable is this: The site of the city Ur of the Chaldees, the native place of Abraham, has been unearthed, and even there a library has been discovered showing that Abraham’s people were a literary people. There are today in the British Museum some of the sacred songs which they sung in that far-off age, and also a carved signet which they used for the stamping of deeds and contracts. This marvelously confirms the story in the Book of Genesis and testifies to the correctness of Moses who tells us that Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah from the children of Heth in a business way. “You see the point of all this. It is this: The credibility of Scripture has been assailed, since the beginning of the present century, on the ground that the narratives contained in it are not contemporaneous with the events they profess to record, because they represent an incredible amount of civilization as existing in the ancient Eastern world, and because they are inconsistent with the accounts of classical writers, and because writing was little known or practiced at so early a date. Discoveries show that there is absolutely no ground for such adverse reasoning, and that its premise is wholly false. There was a high civilization back there; the art of writing was well known, and the state of things was precisely what the Bible represents and requires. The spade has actually uncovered the old civilization, and we see it. Its products are before our eves, and seeing is believing. “Sargon’s name occurs but once- in the Ord Testament. (Isa. 20: 1) As no trace of Saraon could be found in classical writers, he was objected to asYfictitious. The finger of the skeptic pointed to the name ‘Sargon’ in ridicule, and the Bible How strange! was charged with putting off fiction as history.

The quaint old tablets of Nineveh have been exhumed, and with them the history of Sargon. It is found that so far from being a 5ction he was one of the greatest monarchs that ever ruled in Assyria, and that his reign lasted seventeen years. The very event recorded by the prophet Isaiah, in connection with which his name is mentioned, is recorded in Sargon’s annals, and unexpected light is thrown upon the Scripture. “In the Bible there are several allusions to a people called the Hittites. Objectors to the historical truth of the narratives of the Old Testament, like Professor F. Newman, declared that these allusiona -destroyed the credibility of the Bible. There was no reference to this neoule anvwhere in The Bible stood alone in’ a&ming that they classical writers. once existed. It had no witnesses to confirm or corroborate its statements. Thus it was until a few vears ago. But now Hittites’ monuments, disinterred, are in ill the Gading museums of the world. This lost kingdom has been reclaimed. Its very wealth has been dug up, and it is found that it existed before the days of Abraham and long after his days, and was eaual in ereatness and civilization and in militarv progress to’ Assyrii and Egypt. Whole volumes full of re& thrill have been written during the past ten years, upon this wonderful find of the Hittites. “Take one other case. In 2 Chron. 33: 11, it is said that of Assyria, took Manasseh captive, when Esarhaddon, Kin he carried him to Baby 7on. For a long time the objectors to the Bible pointed their fingers at this record and said, here is one of the mistakes of the Bible. ‘It could not be, for Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, and not Bab Ion.’ In his excavations of Nineveh, George Smith unearthe LT a whole library! in the palace of King Assur-banapal. It is called the stone lrbrary, for its books were clay tablets baked into stone. On these clay tablets he found written the very story of the Chronicles, and written there as it is written in the Bible. And more than that he found it explained how it came that Esarhaddon carried Manasseh to Babvlon and not to Nineveh. To keep down discontent in Babylon*, which was -a province of Nineveh, the king built a palace there and made it his second capital. and carried nrisoners of war to it and thus . honored it. . “Even in the nineteenth century God keeps on confirming his own Book bv unexnected surnrises. And what is noticeable is this: These surprises &me as needed rebuttals of Now remember this, specific objections against the Bible. that every wonderful answer to the scoff and obiection of the skeptic which exploration gives us is not only a’ foe of skepticism, it.is at the same time a friend of faith. A solid and irresistible answer to an objection against the Bible is a solid and powerful argument in support of the Bible. “As we behold the nineteen centuries after Christ coufronted, by means of the pick and spade of the explorer, with the nineteen centuries before Christ, and learn for the first time how to answer objections, which for ages seemed to be unanswerable, and to explain difficulties which until now seemed too inexplicable, may we not learn a lesson of faith and of patience? Learn patience, and wait for God’s own time as to the removal of difficulties that are still unsolved. Learn faith, and sit down as calmly in the presence of acknowledged objections as you do in the presence of objections which have been reconciled and which you now call harmonious facts. By means of the story of the past learn to trust the Bible for the future. -DR. DAVID GBEGG.

LYING

TO THE
FEB. ‘I.-Acts

HOLY
4 : 32-5 : 11.

SPIRIT

“Man looketh ou the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.“-1 Sam. 16: 17. The number of believers in Jerusalem was now considerhearts: they are “pitiful,” ‘kind one to another” and “love able. Their new faith broke down the walls of prejudice and as brethren.” Experience teaches us, however, that so long tended to bring rich and poor to the plane of common brotheras there are hypocrites, who follow merely for the loaves and hood in Christ. This is always the tendency with those who fishes, and so long as we are without the inspired apostles, receive the gospel of the Lord Jesus into good and honest possessed of superhuman wisdom in discerning spirits and reIII-13

c21011

(40-41)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

AI.LEGHENY,

PA.

buking them, and so long as even the true-hearted have such various developments of character and judgment, it is unreasonable to expect that believers could dwell together harmoniously and IO mutual benefit. The incapable ones always feel themselves the most capable. and are the least willing to be guided by the judgment of others. The most capabls are the most humble, the least disposed to grasp authority and to “exercise lordship” such as would be necessarv for the proper control of the incompetent. Hence Christ& people of exnerience and iudement have reached the conclusion that general communisi oFgoods such as was practiced for a time in the early church as narrated in this lesson could not be profitably practiced by Christian people in any age or country, for the same reasons that it was unsuccessful in the early. church. When that which is perfect shall have come, it will be possible for those possessed not only of perfect hearts (wills) hut also possessed of perfect brains and bodies, to use communistic principles properly and to their general advantage. But all people of judgment and experience know that this time has not yet come. The failure of this early church community and the failure of scores of communities since then is ample proof of this.* (33) Evidently the chief subject of discourse with the apostles w-as the resurrection of our Lord Jesus from the dead and the proof which this afforded of several things: ( 1) That he was approved of God, that he was what he &imed’to be, the Messiah, and not an impostor; (2) that his death was the great sin-offering, the ransom price fOT the whole world; (3) that in his name was forgiveness of sins and all power for reconciliation with the Father; (4) that a new dispensation of grace, merey, forgiveness of sins had displaced the Law dispensation of justice, and that, now, not only could there be acceptance with God through Christ. but a high calling to joint-heirship with the M&siah in. his kingdom soon to be established. in which all the families of the earth shall be blessed. The apostles hung the entire weight of their testimony upon this one matter-the resurrection of our Lord. And the Apostle Paul’s preaching, later, is no less emphatic upon this than the Apostle Peter’s at the time of this lesson, for he declares: “If Christ be not risen vour faith is vain. our preaching is vain, ye are yet in your sins, and we (apostles) are false witnesses, because we have testified that God raised un Christ from the dead, whom he raised not UD. if so be that ‘the resurrection of the dead is an impossibility:” -1 Cor. 15:15-l& (34) The true spirit of Christ is indicated by the fact that the needv were not suffered to lack while the others had The”Apoqtle James calls attention to this matter, plenty. saying, “He who seelh his brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion against him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” And again, we are told by the divine Word, that it is not sufficient that we should express svmpathv and and be fed and clothed,” but good wishes, saying, “Depart give not those things which are necessary to these ends. Undoubtedlv, it is the design of the divine plan that the inequalities of the present time-poverty in the midst of wealth -shall be to some extent an onnortunitv to those who have this world’s goods, and a test td them of”their faithfulness as And the Scriptures pertinently inquire, “If ye stewards. love not your brother whom ye have seen, how can ye love God whom ye have not setn 9” Hence, the Lord’s work and the Lord’s poor are permitted by. him to be in steed sometimes, in order to furnish opportunities to test those who have means entrusted to them. He who is unfaithful as a steward of earthly wealth riced scarcely expect to be entrusted with spiritual riches.
COMMUNITY NOT PRAOTICAL NOW

anxious for the honor and praise bestowed upon such liberal givers, and concluded that thev would make a reputation for ihemsklves among the believe;s; and at the same time hold back a sufficiencv for future reauirements. There was nothina necessarily wrong in such a pr&ision, reserving for their 06 personal use a portion of the proceeds of the sale of their uronertv. The wrong came in the attemnted decention of the church,” in the attempt to have the apdstles and- the fellowbelievers think that they were exercising all the faith and practicing all the self-denial, which some others had uracticed. The Apo&e Peter indicates that this was not merely lying to the church and attemntine to deceive the church. but more. it was an attempted decepti& of the holy Spirit. ’ The penalty was death to both the participants, for husband and wife alike united in decention. The Lord would evidently thus teach the church (li that while men might be deceived, it was impossible to deceive God ; and (2) that such a fraud is a very heinous sin in God’s sight.
DID

ANANIAS

DIE

THE

SEUOND

DEATH?

It appears from the account that the apostles did not institute tbc community of goods in the early church, rather it was the spontnncous F.cntiment of the believers; and the apostles under the divine guidance did not hinder it, evidently to the intent that an object lesson might be furnished and the importnncr of consecration illustrated in the story of Ananias and Sannbira. The writer first mentioned instances of those who ho&ly consecrated all of their property to the eeneral rood. Notable amonrst these was Barnabas who aft<> erwards was the associate of -the Apostle Paul in doing a great work. The principal figures in the lesson, however, are ( . Ananias nnd S~annhira. h-one had been commanded of the Lord to give all’their property to the general treasury; nor had there hecn anv reouest to do so. although it is onlv a reasonable service ior ail who realize ‘that they were “bought But God wants only a free-will consecration. with a price.” Ananias and his wife saw others do this and were probably
l

Sept.

See article, 1. ‘95.

“They

Had

All

Things

in

Common,”

in

our

issue

of

The question naturally arises, Was this death of Ananias and Sapphira merely a prompt infliction of the Adamic death, under whose sentence they already were? Or, was it the infliction of the second death, and does it teach us that the attempted deception of the holy Spirit is punishable by the second death: and that there is no hope in any sense of the word for Ananias and Sapphira. No one, we believe, can satisfactorilv answer this auestion. because the facts relatine to the matier are too indefinite.’ For instance, we do no” know whether they had “passed from death unto life” (reckonedlv from the Adamic death to life in Christ). We do not know” that they had more information on this subject than some who followed the Lord and to whom he said. “Ye follow me, because of the loaves and the fishes.” Ananias and Sapphira may never have been true converts at heart, but merelv. vet in their sins. have been struck with the nossibilitits’ 01 the growing community, and acquainted with-some in it; they perhaps thought it a good opportunity to fix themselves for future davs. and in order to have a standing and place in the community were willing to give part of thi nroceeds of their nrouertv. If this were their state of heart. if thev had neverA re&“received the grace of God, then we believe that their deathV was merely a sooner accomplishment of the general sentence of the Adamic death and not second death; and we should expect that the due time will come in the Millennial kingdom, when the blinded eyes of their understanding would be opened, and thev should see matters in a full, cl:ar and prop& light with “the opportunity of either But if thev had come accentine or reiectine God’s nrovision. to a’ clecr knowledge”of the iruth, had tasted of the heavenly gift and had been made partakers of the holy Spirit, and then sinned wilfully in this matter, we should understand that their death was the second death, the penalty for their own wilful transgression. The particulars are not stated, nor The lesson to the early was it necessary to the narrative. church and the lesson to us is the same in either case; namely, that it is impossible to deceive God who discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. This entire lesson brings forcibly to our thought the fact t*hat every “new creature in Christ” has consecrated something to the Lord. Our offering should be not merely a portion of our substance, but all of it, including ourselves-time, influence, possessions-and these we may lay not at the apostle’s feet. but at the feet of our Lord, in consecration. We cannot refrain from the thought-How many who have consecrated their all to the Lord are attemutina not onlv to deceive the Lord, but to deceive also them&lve< and to give a portion only of that which they have consecrated? -This is the great point of this lesson to all who are of this consecrated class: and the Apostle Peter’s words to Auanias should be carefully weighed and applied by each one who has nrofessed full consecration to the Lord-“While it lthv POSLessions] remained was it not thine own? and after i’t -was sold, was it not in thine own power?” We may apply this to ourselves. and sav, The Lord did not compel my consecration; it was a voluutary thing, even though admitted to be a reasonable service : and as we have hitherto seen in the Lord’s estimation, it’ is a very serious matter to make vows and afterward to reconsider, or attempt to take back, that which we have consecrated to him. No wonder great fear came upon all the church-the feeling of responsibility; a feeling that in contracting with the Lord thev were enaaaed in serious business. And so the Apostle says to the-consecrated, “Let us fear, lest a promise having been left us, any of you should seem to come short of it.”

121021

“OBEY

GOD RATHER
FEB. 14.-A&s

THAN

MEN”

5 : 17-32. that these men, even when shut up in prison, got out again by miraculous power, was enough to startle them, enough to make them consider afresh whether or not they might not be fighting against God. But they were self-willed men? not in a condition of heart to be influenced by anything, ordinary or extraordinary, which still left them their place and power. They would continue their investigation and endeavor to stop the preaching of the Gospel, consequently the apostles were arrested again; but this time with great moderation, for fear The rulers were beginning to feel that an of the people. impression was being made upon the people, and that in proportion as the new doctrine progressed they as teachers and rulers fell into disrepute. Indeed, so clearly did the apostles state the matter that those who believed their teachings could not well regard their spiritual rulers in any other light than that of murderers-murderers of the Messiah, the “Prince of Life.” (27, 28) The language of the Council to the apostles when they were arraigned indicates that they realized the situation when they said, You evidently “intend to bring this man’s blood upon us,“- to make the people think that we are responsible for his death. (29-32) The answer of the apostles shows that they were courageous men. They did not deny their preaching, nor its logical inference as understood by the rulers, for it was so. ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.” Thev merelv said: Gob sent u’s to preach the gospel, to tell the truth about this matter. and we have merelv followed divine instructions. How beautiful. how reasonable, how consistent! There was no braggadocid in the apostles’. language. They did not say, You brought us more carefullv todav than vesterdav: you are getting a”little afraid of the people: you have founa.that you cannot keep us in prison, for our Lord will deliver us; you are perhaps getting a little in awe of us by this time. They did not say, We will denounce you still more before the people and raise an insurrection and overthrow your power as Nothing of this kind; merely the unassumsacerdotal rulers. ing statement, We have merely obeyed God in what we did.
A VALUABLE LESiON FOR OUR DAY

The phenomenal success of the gospel under the apostles’ preaching, in the power of the holy Spirit, soon awakened bitter opposition on the part of the rulers of the Jews. In a previous lesson we saw that they did not hesitate to put the apostles in prison; and how they sought to convict them of crime for healing the lame man, in the name of Jesus. Their opposition, instead of dying out, increased as they perceived the wonderful strides of progress made by the new doctrine. They felt compelled to make another attempt to head off what they considered the heresy of the Nazarene. (17, 18) The two principal sects amongst the Jews at this time were the Pharisees and Sadclucees. The Pharisees made loud nrofessions of “holiness,” and did much in the way of outward-display, which our Lord, who could read the hear& declared was hypocrisy; while the Sadducees, better educated as a class and less orthodox, were more after the sort called “higher critics” today; or even beyond them, they might be termed to some extent agnostic,-their faith considerably resembling that of the “Reformed Jews” of today. They believed something of the divine promises, but, expected them to be fulfilled in a partial manner and in & natural way. They evidently aid not expect a supernatural Messiah. They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. They denied that, there are angels or any spirit beings not visible to flesh and blood. The chief priest at this time, we are told by the lesson, belonged to this party. He and his sect were filled with indignation against. the new doctrine, for in every sense of the word it specially opposed their teaching-much more so than it opposed Phariseeism. The expression, “the high priest rose up,” does not signify that he had been sitting or lying down and merely stood upon his feet, but might more properly be translated “the high Driest was aroused.” He and his nartv. the Sadducees. had hitherto been content to very gen&alfi disdain the masses and their views, and to pay little attention to them as inferior in wisdom and judgment, on such questions. But now seeing the interest being taken by the public in the apostles’ preaching, which declared not only the resurrection of our Lord, but that through the merit of his sacrifice a resurrection to a future life would be provided for all, they were thoroughly “aroused.” In the teachings of the apostles they were meeting with a logic which they had never encountered in arguing with the Pharisees. Accordingly they again sent and laid violent hands upon the apostles and put them into prison. (19-23) In harmony with the other miraculous interventions of Providence at that time, for the establishment of the church, the Lord wrought a miracle for their deliverance from prison; but instead of telling them to flee for their lives, he instructed them to go immediately again into the temple and preach as before; and this they did, going early in the morning. Great was the surprise of the General Synod or Great Council of the Jews, which had been convened for the purpose of condemning the apostles, when they learned that the prisoners were not in prison, but preaching as before in the temple. (24-26) The officials were in consternation. It, was bad enough to have men teach the gospel with such power and demonstration as they could not gainsay or resist,, but to find

Then follows another discourse similar to the one given the previous Council, explaining about Jesus, his resurrection and exaltation to divine nlace and Dower, and to be the Saviour and pardon the sin’s of Israel.* They wound up their testimony by citing them the holy Spirit which operated through them as corroborating their witness respecting OUT Lord, his character, his resurrection, his present glory, and his power to save unto the uttermost all that come to the Father through him. There is a valuable lesson here for all servants of God today. We too have a commission from the Lord to preach the gospel, and if we would be approved and hear his “Well done, good, faithful servant,” we must, obey God rather than men. Should faithfulness to God brine us into conflict with the religious great ones, we are to be vbold for the truth, but moderate and humble in manner and laneuaee. Children of God are never anarchists, lawless; and %herr opposition to human arrangements must only be because moved thereto by higher, divine laws and arrangements.

LETTERS

FROM

DISTANT

COLABORERS

Russia. MY DEAR AI~D BELOW BROTHER RUSSELL:-At the close of the year I cannot help thanking you for the spiritual pleasure you are rendering me by your esteemed journal, ZION’S WATCH TOWER, which I receive regularly. It is to me like the merchant’s ship-bringing spiritual food from afar. My constant prayer for you is that Jehovah our God may preserve you and Sister Russell for a long time that you may be able to continue the King’s work to convince manv souls of the true, blessed hope the whole world may have cn the appearance of “this same” Jesus Christ. We are all well. With Christian love and best wishes to yourself and Sister Russell for a haDDv New Year 1897. Ever yo&s h’&ur Lord, ’ JOSEPR RAB~NOWITCH. Ch. GENTLEMEN:-Four years ago I was brought into contact with the WATCH TOWER, and, reading a little here and there, X supposed it to be the organ of some peculiar sort of Universalists, outside the pale of orthodoxy, and threw the papers on one side. However, I have recently read the three volumes of MILLENNIAL DAWN and am again going through the first volume more carefully and prayerfully; and I have been led to feel that, if this is God’s truth, I want it at any cost,. The Plan of the Ages magnifies the goodness of God ten thousand

times more than any other system of interpretation or theology I have ever read. I now turn up the old WATCII TOWERS of 1892 which 1 carelessly threw aside, and read them with avidity. I think inquiries should begin with the MILLENNIAL DAWN. I enclose $6, and wish you to kindly send me what you can for it. Yours faithfully, England. DEAR BROTHER RussnL:-We are having some good times here. Our brother Hart has been amongst us and helped us . Our class is gradually becoming larger. For the last y:ree weeks our room (which holds about 25) has been almost too small for us. Our tracts (which the Tract, Society so kindly sent us) are doing a good work. Brother Guard and myself often go to different parts to circulate them, and now and again a request. comes for a DAWN. One brother has already had over twenty copies, as the result of a tract left under his door. As we go about we find that the harvest is ripening fast; but the laborers are verv few. Let, us pray with all earneatness that the laborers ]Inay increase. 1 think we may want another supply of tracts soon. This is a very poor neighborhood, and we have had to loan many DAWNS. Yours in Him, W. TRIRKETTLE,
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Auatrcrlia. DE~B BB~THEB RUSSELL:-I am deeply thankful to say shat we are still holding fast to the truth, and endeavoring to the best of our ability to spread it amongst others. It seems almost miraculous that any should be able to stand, when all the delusions and snares that abound everywhere are taken into consideration; but by the grace of God alone, certainly not by any special ability or flrmness on our part, we are thankful to be in the liberty of the truth. Our work here is moving, though we are not able to chronicle any very remarkable success, if such is to be gauged by the general standard-numbers, etc.; but we are conscious of an increased interest generally, and a joyful acceptance here and there. We earnestly trust the Lord will graciously increase the number, but, dear Brother, as you well know, this is a hard battle; foes within and without are to be met constantly ; and we have the ever present consciousness of our own utter weakness and unworthiness. But oh, what a blessed comfort the truth is! How it makes every cross lighter, every problem luminous, in verv truth. I know not how I should iive through this .prescnt “period did I not possess its healing and life-giving sunnort: but the sweetest comfort of all is that God’ is “perfdc’t Master of the situation, and that all things will be brought to the best interests of his creatures. If the eternal happiness or woe of our fellow men were absolutely dependent upon our efforts, what a terrible thing life would be; but God and his blessed Son are a thousand times more anxious for the well-being and happiness of mankind than any mortal. W7ith brotherly love to all the brethren and sisters, from Bro. Flack and myself, ALFBED PEARSON. Yours in love and service, Bcotlund. DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:-The amount of blessing I have derived from studying the Bible, helped by the DAWNS, I cannot describe. Before I knew of them, I lodded wearily through “Butler’s Analogy” and “McCulloc R ‘a Calvinism ’ and I might trulv sav. hundreds of other books, in search of something to satisfy me that Christianity was not cant. I must confess that though I had an earnest desire to know God, and though it is manv vears since I was converted, yet I did not s;udy the Bib16 but only read it now and then; I have been careless of God, but be has not been careless of me: I have been often unfaithful, and he has ever kindly rebuked me. Now I see his love clearer; now I grasp heavenly things more tenaciously and dare not let go even for a moment. I fail in manv things: it grieves me to fail in any thing; and I thank God for-his m&y tokens of love and forgiveness of my follies. Blessed be God for the gift of memorv which. though it shows me mv sins and shortcomings i% the past, &so points out tb-e many blessings mv noor unworthv self has received in Christ Jesus. w In endeavoring to prove to many professed Christians that “hell” does not mean eternal torture, they have nearly one and all triumphantly pointed to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Now, in addition to using your arguments, I have often put the following question, in order as an illustrato prove that Jesus simply used the sto tion, and did not tell it as an actual rea ity: “Was there 7. any member of the human family who died and went to heaven before Christ died on the cross?” I point out that Jesus tells the story of what happened in the past-“There wus a rich man,,, etc. If they say “Yes,,, I show them they deny that Christ is the only Way to heaven, and this staggers them. If they answer “No,” they condemn their own belief and they stand confounded. @l’EWABT J. Bu. Yours in Christ Jesus. [Our Lord said, “No man hath ascended to Heaven save the Son of Man.“-EnIron.] De-k. DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN IN CHRIST:-I was greatly rejoiced over the good news of your dear letter rec&ed & few days ago. I have not been so glad for a long while as when I read the statement of my account and saw how good the Lord had been to me that’ he had put it into some good heart to help me over the reat debt I had gotten “Thank the Lord, 0 my sou7 , and forget not all his 1nt.o. hene5ts.” It was the best news you could tell me just now; and I must heartily thank you for it, and pray that God will bless you and the dear brother who has been such a eat help to so many of the Lord’s servants. The WATCH !r OWEB for Dec. 15th received today and most of it readwith delight. I am so glad with the truths it presents and am perfectly in harmony with you; it is so good and grand to me, and I prize it above money or anything else. I thank the Lord that he has ever brought me in contact with the blessed good tidings proclaimed from God’s Word. I know

it is the plain truth, and it is my heart’s desire that I might live in the way that is most pleasing to God, and in all things be subject to the will of God, our blessed heavenly Father. It ii becoming more and more light for me since I commenced to hold little meetings here in Denmark. We meet everv Fridav evening and ha:e Bible readings with explanations, pray& and praise, and it has been v-very profitable to myself as to many of the dear Christians that have been attending. The circulation of Danish and Swedish tracts and DAWNS progresses, and although the results are not so great as we could wish, nevertheless the truth is spreading Your brother and and Bndine some of the Lord’s iewels. Jos. S. WINTER. fellow-servant in our dear Lord, Colombia, Central America. DEAR BROTHEB RUSSELL:-Your very kind, loving and refreshing letter bearing date of the 19th ult. is duly received: also that containing Invoice, etc. We are truly glad that Brother Maxon arri;ed safely and gave you a- c‘lear descrintion of the state of affairs. We are trulv thankful We rejoice in Broiher Hay’s for kind proposition made. How blessed are good fortune, of which we are they who, possessing this worl rtakers. s goods, turn the same to good account. Now, dear Brother, contrary to misunderstanding through communication concerning preaching, we had properly begun with it among the unintelligent, if by any means thep could be aroused t< an interest in securing DAWN, which would Being totallv blinded. the nreach more lasting sermons. beonle exhibited no &mreciation for t%e truth: and we ‘withWe discern the necessity of associating preaching drew. with the circulation of the DAWN. We gather from “SUP gestive Hints to Colporteurs” that a houie to house circilation is preferable, though preaching may not be ignored; We are and we are again preparing to go out preaching. experiencing severe storming by the Adversary; but occasionally realizing a gleam of sunshine amid the storm. We are having daily manifestations of divine providence and favor. Our warfare out here is manifold, having to fight against the depressed state of things, the depravity of our surroundings. our own internal and external confficts, etc.: so that we” must be very often at the throne of grace, to implore the aid of our sovereign Lord and Head. We trust you will not cease to nrav for us. We believe that grace will be given God’s @opie equivalent to, or much m&e than, the Thank God, we are evil with which they are surrounded. growing in grace. The beam is in process of being cast entirely out of our own eyes; then shall we be able to see the motes of others. It affords us great joy to see the report for 1896 in last TOWER, and to know of the active interest taken in the work by the brethren and sisters everywhere. May we all continue faithful unto the end. Yours in the hope of the high calling, ISAIAH RIOHARDS & LOUIS A. FAOEY. [These two brethren were formerly representatives of the -American Bible Society. After they ot-hold of present truth and it cot hold of them thev cou Kd do no less than s read it and” are now colporteuring for DAWN as “Bible 2 eys,” preaching and circulating 0. T. ~ACJ!S. They are fullblooded Jamaica negroes. Brother Maxon, a white man, converted by these brethren last year, called on us recently and gave a most excellent re ort of their zeal, patience, energy, devotion, ability and fu P1 consecration to the Lord.-EDITon.] Bwit5wrland and Germany. you will find an order DEAR BBOTHEB RUSSELL :-Inclosed My labors with translations into French confor books. Meantime I am using the German literature and tinue. making efforts to reach some of the many Germans of SwitzI have sent out over 4,000 erland and Germany itself. tracts and, praise God, here and there some are awakening Have also put and are writing for more reading matter. notices of M. D. into different papers, having received $15.00 from a brother for that purp-ose. -Several- booksellers are now offerinn it for sale: another ~uta it into his showabout arwindow ; a& with another I am iorresponding rangements. One editor of a relinious Sundav naner minted the notice I s&it’ h’im {he three volumes. of M. D. twice free of zharge. In the notice I offered to loan the first to all lovers of the Truth and received many a friendly request for the same, My German correspondence mostly from among the poor. is thus increasing. While my efforts have been chiefly among the Germans of Switzerland, I am of the opinion that there

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remains much work to be done on the mainland of Europe. Tbe whole month of December I had almost daily some orders or requests for the German DAWN; some came from old Deaf Hospital women. It seems that a great hunger and seeking after the truth-to know more about the glorious Millennial day, the dear Gospel of the true kingdom and the wondrous plan of the ages-is prevailing in Switzerland. A German periodical would be very appropriate at this time, containing TOWER articles and probably answers to correspondents ; and thus the bond of fellowship amongst the true believers would be strengthened and the interest, I believe, much increased. There are a number scattered here and there who would rejoice much over such an undertaking and support it according to their means. We hope that something may be done soon. I took the matter to the Lord in Hope you will think favorably of the suggestion an I! ‘:g’*r;s vour idea and advice in the matter. The other day I received a request from a missionary in a neighboring city for the loan of some DAWNS for a number of earnest Christians. Thus the interest increases. Will VOL. XVIII ALLEGHENY, PA.,

close with saying that I am always glad to receive the TOWER. and constrained to eive thanks for. and nrav for the continuance of, the ble&ngs and favors of God our Father and our Lord Jesus toward me and you all and those that are His in every place. ADOLF WEBEB. Yours in our dear Redeemer, [Sister Mattern reports that while as a nurse in a hosnital in HamburP she introduced DAWN and that five other ‘Sisters there are” deenlv interested in the subject and are having Bible-study meetings and suffering reproaches, being Sister Giesecke is also in daneer of losimr their nosit,ions. doing a” good work loaning LAWNS, circulating tracts, etc., in Germany. All things considered, it has been about decided that we The will start a small (4 oage monthly) German TCWEB. price will be 12 cents *pei year for single copies ; 5 copies monthlv for a vear 50 cents: 12 conies monthlv for a vear $1.00. “We ahail be glad to hear from all of our inter&ted German friends, soon as convenient, respecting their interest in this part of the one harvest work.-EDITOR.] FEBRUARY 15, 1807 No. 4

VIEWS

FROM

THE

TOWER

ETHIOS OF SAINTS MISFITS ON WORLDINSS We are living in a dav when historv is beine made as In these conflicting views respecting the responsibilities never before. B;fore us fies an accou& from the Chicago of wealth and the proper uses to be made of it, we perceive Times-Herald, stating that at a meeting of the Chicago City the grand confusion into which nominal Christianity has Federation, recentlv, the secretarv of the Bureau of the Assofallen, which unbalances its reason upon every subject. The ciated Charities 03. that city declared that there are 8,000 continued failure in judgment upon such subjects arises from families in Chicago actual& starvinn to death: and that the fact that the Bible lays down certain lines and conditions the President of the South *Chicago Relief and Aid Society of Christian responsibility which do not fit a merely nomsays, “There is greater poverty here than there was in 1893, inal Christianity, hence the misfit in attempting to apply for we are less able to care for the poor now than we were the terms and conditions of true cross-bearers to those who then.” The pastor of the First Congregational Church debear none other than diamond crosses-however polite, reclares also that “at every turn one finds an object of misery. fined and educated the latter may be. Our oninion of those People crowd to our services and beg for food for their who patronize such extravagant “displays is, -that they are children. This is the hardest winter we have had. We can Christians merelv in name-after the manner of the man get no work for the men.” who, when asked, Are you a Christian, sir? replied, “Well, 1 am not a *Jew nor heathen; I presume, thereforr, I must Another account is from Louisiana. of which Coneressman Boatman declares that there are one -hundred thou&id desbe a Christian.” titute people in the Northern part of that State on account Let us learn to distinguish in our minds between nomof the failure of crons in that vicinitv. inal Christians and those who bear about in the person the The London Chro&Ze sums up a total of eighty-four milmarks of the Lord Jesus .-who are fullv consecrated to him: lions of the population of India affected by the famine, and whose will is to do the will of the E&her in heaven, and says, “We are only at the beginning of the existing scarcity, to finish his work. Such being fully consecrated to the Lord which must now under any circumstances go on increasing will have neither time, nor influence, nor money to spend And the famine has recently been su in such extravagant displays as this bal-masque. until June next.” The replemented by the Bubonic plague, which is making terrlb3’ e straining influence upon such will not be the point chiefly suggested by Dr. Rainsford-lest the display excite the ravages. cupidity and envy of the poor;-nor will it be merely to Before us also are accounts of the now celebrated Bradleyparsimoniously save money in the hand, where it will do Martin dress ball. at which about eieht hundred of the elite of New York City, and indeed c&tingents from various no person very much good; but the object will be to spend the time and the means in some better channel, calculated to parts of the world” were present in silks,- satins, velvets and broadcloth-both men and women ablaze with iewels. The bring greater and more permanent blessings and happiness, both to others and to themselves. newspaper accounts tell us that this was the g&ndest affair of the kind ever witnessed on this continent; that the ladies But those who have this consecration of heart, whether and gentlemen who participated were dressed to represent they have much or whether they have little, need not feel kings; princes, queens and -noble ladies of the 15th; 16th’ envious of the rich; nor indeed should they seek or expect 17th and 18th centuries. and that the entertainment as a to force “the children of this world,,, who are not actuated ’ whole cost $223,000. by the same motives of consecration to the Lord’s service The Rev. Dr. Rainsford, in whose congregation are quite and appreciation of divine things, present and future, to a number of millionaires, found it his duty to warn his act as they act in such matters. Let the worldly who have wealth spend it in luxury, and in any manner not immoral. hearers that it would be very unwise to attend this ball, giving as the reason that at the present time there are This will not only circulate the money amongst the people, many people in New York city who are in very straitened better than if it were hoarded in banks, but it will help circumstance and that such a display of luxury and extravto manifest more clearly than ever the difference between agance would surely excite and strengthen the envy and the consecrated and unconsecrated condition of heart and hatred already felt by many of the poor against the wealthy conduct of life, and thus it will make wider the breach This started quite a hubbub, and the and aristocratic. between the true church and the worldlv class which falselv opinions of many of the prominent ministers were sought under deception of false teaching bears< the name of Chris-t Some agreed with Dr. and published in the daily press. but is none of his. Rainsford; some were fearful to express an opinion if they WOUNDED IN THE HOUSE OF (PROFESSED) FRIENDS had one; and some took an opposite view, claiming that the Dr. Abbott, of the Plymouth pulpit, Bronklvn. continues expenditure of the money would be a benefit to the poor, to lead along the paths of “higher criticism.” In some etc. The Rev. Thos. Dickson, Jr., was one of the most prolectures on “The Bible Literature,” recently, he provoked nounced in his difference of view, declaring, according to the his congregation to laughter by the amusing manner in which public press, “If I had millions, would I spend all in charhe made reference to the story of Jonah and the great fish, Why, the position is nonsensical. If I had ity? No! which he termed a “fiction,“-“the Pickwick papers of the millions I would build a boat that could go around the Bible.” The worldly-minded newspaper reporters could see world and would spend solid years of my life in rounding through the absurdity of a man pretending to be a Christian If I should have one million of dollars, out my education. minister and vet thus makine lieht of the verv basis of and if the public should dictate to me how I should spend Christian faith”-the Bible. The reports in the yNew York it, I would say, as did a certain member of the Vanderbilt papers put the matter in its true light, and in consequence family, ‘The public be d--d.’ ” the ManhRttnn Jlinisters -1qsociation took it ~,p at its [2105]

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We are not to deceive the very elect. meeting and strongly rebuked the language. All others we may expect will be more or less deluded or blinded. Only a remnant will escape forget, however, that probably a large majority of the ministers in New York City, and in all large cities, are already the blinding influence now as m the end of the Jewish age. in full agreement with Dr. Abbott along the lines of “higher CHURCH UNION criticism” and, so far as faith in the inspiration of the Bible Along the same lines of “union” with anything and every is concerned, might be termed rationalists, agnostics or even thing that will help to support our present social arrangeWe infidels : there are good reasons for such convictions. ment is a Drominent article in the New Pork Euanaelist must therefore suppose that the Manhattan Ministers Assowhich after -giving a number of reasons for federatiog -and ciation were not so much in opposition to Dr. Abbott’s agcosperation among Protestants includes also Roman Catholics, nosticism. called “higher criticism,” as to the public stateand urges peace and fraternity with them, saying:ment of this apnosticism in Dr. Abbott’s mirthful vein. As “We differ from them in some points, but we cannot a minister of ghis city once said to the writer, “It is very deny that they hold the main truths of our religion. [It well for us ministers to study these subjects, but it is not is, alas! too true that Protestants hold still to many of prudent to tell them to the people.” Papacy’s perversions of the truth.-EDITOR.] . . . . There is 1 I * another reason why we should have a care how we disparage Dr. Ahbott, noting the criticism. made two very sigthe Catholic priests, namely, that some day, not so far off nificant remarks : ( l)- “No minister should criticize another in the next century, we mav have to call unon them for minister in public;” and (2) “I have every reason to believe help against political and social dangers. The iate Professor the Plymouth Church is an absolute unit in supporting its Roswell D. Hitchcock has often said to me that the time pastor.” The latter statement shows to what an extent this might come when the Roman Catholic Church would prove modern infidelity called “higher criticism” has already taken the greatest bulwark and safeguard against the Socialism root and borne fruit among the people, the “laity.” The and Communism which have been imported into our countrv former statement shows how ministerial etiquette is expected from abroad. That is what all Europe is afraid of at this to intimidate and seal the lips of any disposed to obey the moment-a cataclysm, not from ahnve, but from beneath. Word of the Lord and lift up their voice like a trumpet an earthquake that will yawn so wide and so deep as to to show God’s people their sins and dangers. Only those swallow uD civilization itself. If such destruction sweep9 who fear to offend God rather than men will escape this over the Old World, it will not be long in crossing the ocean influence which the prophet declares will make the majority to the New. Let us be on our gusrd that we do not break like “dumb dogs, they cannot bark.“-Isa. 56:10, 11. down any strong barrier against it.” Meantime, the Rev. J. H. Barrows, D. D., famed as the Thus we see how one error leads to another, and helps president of the Chicago Parliament of Religions, of similarly still further to blind and prejudice the mind. How manv broad and indefinite ideas of the Bible and Christianity, is Protestants there are who are totally unable to see in the now lecturing in India, having for his topic, “The Harmony Papal system the fulfilment of the prophesied Antichrist, the of Religions.” Surely, it is these people who have repudiresult of the great “falling away” from the faith: berluse, ated the Bible, and incidentally all of Christianity except having unscriptural views of the present social economv, thev civilization and refinement, who probably see no reason why are drawn toward Papacy or anvthing el-9 which mill help they should not as truly fellowship the deluded believers in to sustain the social structure with which all that they have the creeds of the Orient, as that they should fellowship those and are is intimately associated ;-their spiritual interests, of us whom they believe to be the deluded believers in the the nominal church institutions and their temnoral interests. Bible. Can we wonder that under the lead of “hiiher criticism” * * * and under the pressure of the supposed necessity for the Another bold man who denies the faith and is yet “worse continuance of the preqent social order, the majorltv of the than an infidel” in that he still masquerades as a minister nominal church are drifting further and further awav from of the Gosncl of Christ. while doing all in his Dower to the Bihle and from its teachings-respecting Romaniam as &dermi& that Gospel, is the Rev. 3. J. Savage, pastor of the Babylon-confusion of sectarianAntichrist ; respecting the “Church of the Messiah,” New York City. One would ism; respecting the social change to be inaugurated by the think that few except those “of the synagogue of Satan” fall of present institutions and the erertion in their stead (Rev. 2 :D) would enjoy or support such preaching. From and upon their ruins of the kingdom of God’s dear Son? We his recent sermon, as reported in the New York Sun. we clip cannot wonder at the tendency to fall away from “the faith the following malodorous morsel as a sample. He said:We find a general tendency once delivered to he saints.” “-4rchaologv has established that man has been on earth to lose faith in the Bible and to rely upon human wisdom not for a thb&nnd years or ten thousand, but for at least and the light of conscience merely, except among those who two hundred thousand. Evolution. as develoned bv Herbert in some manner or degree are looking for the second coming Spencer, and biology, the province worked dut bi Darwin, of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom. a;e no longer the subjects- for debate by educatgd and in+ * * telligent prople, though prominent theologians, who show A Federation of Churches and Christian Workers has been that ther don’t know what they are talking about by the formed in New Pork City, including educational and charitafirst wo&l3 that the?, utter. wifl discuss it..- 3Ian was not ble institutions. The New York Journal save. “One hundred created in the eal&n of Eden or anvwhere else. but began and fortv churches and eleven such institutions are now in the ooze of far-off primeval seas. * What we know, tKen, included \n the membershin, and it is expected that the nummeans that there has never been any fall of man, but a conber will be doubled this winter.” This one fact comnels the complete recontinuous nsccnt. BROTHER MOODY SOUNDS AN ALARM struction of all the theological theo&es of the pa’&.” It is time that all who hare faith in the Word of God The New York Independent publishes a lengthy account and its mcssn,rrc of a fall and a redeml)tion bv our Saviour’s of what is termed the progress of Christianity during the bloo,i should be no leqs outspoketi than are the past year, which makes an extremely favorable showing prerious Whocrer denies the fall into sin, enemies of the truth. so far as denominationalism is concerned; but all familiar denies -the rctlcmption from sin and its penaltv and such with such matters know that such reports are quite unreliable, are no morp Chrirtianr than are Hottentots or Mohammedans that the lists of nearly every congregation contain names or otbcr unhl,lirvrrs. of many who* are dead physically and of many others who have departed from all spiritual life and interest and who \T-e pointrtl alit in 1870, in this journal, that the great hal-e not attended meetings for years. “fallin ,rr a\\-a>* ficjm the faith 1,rctlicted of the close of this Evangelist D. L. Moody has been looking over the reports age noultl cnnic nlnnf thi3 line;--the denial of the need of last year, and as a result sent in the following to the and of the fact of the m)lso/rt. The CPOSSof Christ (the editor of the Zndependent: great ran\nm-snclificc) ii to the Jew a stumbling block ‘and to tile Grrrks (the ~nrldl,v ni-e) foolishness. but to us who “In a recent issue of your paper I saw an article from a belirre it is the po\\cr of God and the wisdom of God.contributor which stated that there were over three thousand 1 Cm-. 1.18-24 churches in the Congregational and Presbyterinn. bodies of this country that did not report a sitlgle member added by The true light, the true plan of God, is now clearly manprofession of faith last year. Can this be true? The thought ifested for the succor of all who are trulv his nronle. The has taken such hold of me that I can’t get it out of my true “sheep,” as thev realize the confusion, m:ill ‘turn atmind. It is enough almost to send a thrill of horror through tentively a’nd humhly to the great Shepherd to listen to the soul of every true Christian. his voice to guide them. Such only will be guided and kept “If this is the case with these two large demoninations, in his way. led to the green pasture? and sti!l waters of what must be the condition of the others also? Are we all present truth. These will he delivered from the great degoing to sit still and let this thing continue? Shall our lusinnq of this ~ril day, which. if it were possible, would [2106]

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religious newspapers and our pulpits keep their mouths closed like ‘dumb dogs that cannot bark’ to warn people of approaching danger ? Should we not lift up our voice like a trumpet about this matter? What must the Son of God think of such a result of our labor as this? What must an unbelieving world think about a Christianity that cannot bring forth any more fruit? And have we no care for the multitude of souls-going down to perdition every year while we all sit and look on ? And this countrv of ours, where will it be in the next ten years if we don’t awake out of sleep? “I wish some of you editors of the influential papers, who are in close touch with the ministers and churches, would tell us what the matter is. Is this the result of what they call the ‘Modern Criticism’ of the Bible? Is this a snecimen of the better times. when we get rid of the old siories about Moses writing ‘the Pentat&h, and the sun and moon standing still, and the fish swallowing Jonah? How much of all this is owing to the nolitics our ministers have been preaching lately, and the talks on the labor question. and the stereonticon shows on Sundav evenings. and all these other things’ that have been driving” out the-blessed gospel of Jesus Christ? VVhen ministers go into preludes on current topics, how can they expect any afterludes of conversions?” Bro. Moody gives evidence of being awake to the real situation ; but all the more, his expressions are thorny to the average minister and church member, and many are crvinp out against him. Like some of old they say, “Prophesy unto us good things!” or “Let us alone!”
“MODERN EXEGESIS" OR “HIGHER CRITICISM

thority upon this subject. In a recent article in German he expresses himself about as follows:The Old Testament criticism is raging now with more intensity than ever before. The contendicg parties are the liberal or advanced and the conservative. The differences between these two schools of thought have as a consequence become sharply defined, and in some cases quite bitter, and the interest in the struggle is widening. Outsiders also are beginning to appreciate the fact that great issues are at stake; that the-new views practically remove from the sacred books of the Old Testament the basis of revealed reliaion. the historic faith-foundation upon which the church” has rested for more than eighteen centuries. The church in general is realizing the destructive consequences of the critical teachings of the Rellhausen-Kuenen school of thought. What began as a controversy respecting the Pentateuch twentv vears ano has now become a contest of radical criticism “cohering The entire Old Testament, and a question of principle for the life of the church. The professor adds that the defendants of the “old views” are found in the ranks of the ministry only, and none of them amongst the university men. c l l Likewise the American college professors are leading in this attack upon the Scriptures. They seem to realize that they might live and die comparatively unknown, except as they may come into prominence by attacking the Bible. Professor Paul Haupt of Raltimore has begun a translation of the Bible in coniunction with certain other nrofessors of I this country and j&rope. These gentlemen make such bold statements that not onlv the morld but modest and moderate humble-minded Christians are inclined to SIIDDOW that thev must have found some very positizje i~~formatib~ upon which to rest such wonThey even attempt to indicate derful and positive claims. when and which certain words, sentences and sometimes paragraphs were added, here and there, at various times and by various persons. These gentlemen, of course, profess to be more wise as well as more honest than anv who have ever undertaken sueh work before. Their edition of the Bible, they inform us. will be minted in various shades of color and thereby indicate different features of the text. Of course, the world is readv and waiting for anv and everything that would cast discredit unon the Book whfch has successfullv withstood the nssaults 04 its enemies for many centuries.” Consequently, it is not, surprising that the world-pleasing and successseeking publishers of New York journals are very willing to advertise such works as these freely. Thus a New York Sunday paper of January 31st illustrates what the new Bible is to be, giving selections from Genesis, showing the coloring of the test as it will appear, heading the whole thus:‘*AMAZING SIS. AND IT DISCOVERIES IS APATCHWORKOF IS NOT THE CONCERNING FIRST FOUR BOOK THE ~00~ ORFIvE OF THE OF WRITERS BIBLE" GENE-

It would appear that the theological colleges are beccming the very hot-beds of unbelief and repudiation of the under what is termed “modern exegesis” and Scrintures. Professor S. I. Curtis, of the Conpre“higher criticism.” gat’ional ISeminary of Chicago, is the latest who has made himself a name and fame bv some nublished articles in which he endeavors to refute Christ :-thus repudiating the interpretations of those prophecies given by* our L&d and the anostles ss recorded in the New Testament. Professor Curtis nimplv gives the Jewish interpretation of these prophecies; namely, that they referred to God’s dealings with the nation of Israel. The Zntcrior (Presbyterian), criticising Professor Curtis and defending the interpretations of prophecy given us by our Lord and the apostles, says:“The situstion then is this: It is admitted by this new school of scholarship that the Sew Testament writers were all of the ‘old school of exegetes,’ that they all gave the weight of their authority to the exegesis which finds in the Old Testament specific. particular and personal descriptions of our Lord, his deity, his birth, history., sufferings, death and the divine purpose in his incarnation and vicarious sacrifice-and that the authoritv of our Lord and of the New Testament writers, in affirming ‘this fact, has universally prevailed for nearlv 1.900 vears. but is now set aside as ‘not in accordance &th modern views.’ “They admit that what they denominate the ‘old school of exegetes’ included our Lord himself and his evangelists Rut they snv this exegesis did not originate and apostles. with our Lord and the writers of the Gospels who found it prevailing among the Jews of their times. and were not able to free themselves from it. Besides, it ‘was to the interest of our Lord and of the Sew Testament writers to employ the false exegesis which they found in the public mind. “Thus are the Scriptures plolved, harrowed and sown with the snlt of nernetual desolation. But let us remember that salt-plains and ‘bitter maters are found only in arid lands. Where the rains fall and the white snows drift there are blessing, falling upon the none. The showers of spiritual church of God, dissolve and wash away these alkaline destroyers of spiritual life, and leave her fountains of water pure, her trees laden with fruit, and her vales waving with corn.” We are glad to see that the Bible has still some friends in the nominal church and that higher criticism has not perverted the judgments of all. * * * Since the so-called higher criticism of the Bible began to notice its progress there. in Germany, it is interesting Reliable authorities inform us that. “In all the faculties of the twentv Protestant Theological Universities of German-v, there is not” a single representative of the ‘older views’ and traditional teachines of the church. in reference to the Mosaic origin of the Pent‘ateuch, the integrity of the book of Isaiah, etc.” Professor Zockler of Griefswald is an acknowledged auY

Few of those who read the bald and brazen claims of these modern wise men and their advertisers have any conception of the character of the information possessed by these schoolmen, which authorized their division of Genesis and other Bible Books into “patchwork.” Have these gentlemen found the original manuscript of Genesis, and there seen the various additions they claim, in various styles of handwriting, some with more” and some with less- faded inks 1 Is it unon such evidences as these that thev base their strong statements? Ko! They never saw the original manuscriptY, nor has any one else now living seen them. Critics have access to nothing to which other men have not Fpon what, then, do thev base their conaccess today. clusions which they state with such positiveness? may be asked. We answer, They merely fancy that they notice a little change in the phraseology here and there. They find that certain words are used in one paragraph or section freelv and that those words do not occur in another paragraph or at least are not so freely used. And on the strength of this flimsv foundation thev., decide, and declare with great positiveness, and unholy boldness, that the two paragraphs They not only undertake were written by different persons. to say about what time they were written, but presumably men of such keen discernment rould almost tell what the men looked like who wrote the different passages. The Scrintures do not declare that Moses was the author of the Book of Genesis in the sense that he wrote it of his It is to be presumed that since own personal knowledge. covering the two thousand years much of it was history, preceding Moses’ day, the record may have been kept and handed down from father to son, some of it from Adam and Seth and Enoch, Methuselah, Noah, ribraham, Isaac and

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Jacob. All that is claimed for the Book of Genesis is, that Moses was its editor and that he as a servant of God was granted a superior wisdom and grace in bringing together into proper form, thus, the items of past history and of divine revelation which God designed for his people-“that the man of God might be thoroughly furnished.” It is quite sufficient for those who have learned of the wisdom of God’s Book from its Qtervuzl evidences and harmonies, to know that the records of Genesis are in complete harmony with the entire Word of God; and that it was one of the Books of the Scriptures at the time our Lord prayed. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth;” that various of its items were referred to by our Lord and by all the inspired apostles. without the slightest suggestion that

either the whole or part of it was unreliable or a “mere Anyone who will compare the account human patchwork.” of creation as given in Genesis with any account of creation given in any of the so-called sacred books of heathendom will be convinced that it is as far in advance of them all And we hold as the daylight is brighter than midnight. that the account of creation in Genesis, rightly understood, is in full accord with all that science has been able to prove; although it disagrees with some things which science claims The harmony between the without a sufficiency of evidence. Bible account and the proved positions of science + was shown in a series of articles by T. J. Conant which appeared in our ~_ issues of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, and Feb. 15, ‘94. l See also STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, VOL. VI. Chap. 1 -Eds.

THE

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Our German friends express their joy at the prospect of having even a small monthly publication devoted to the spread of the truth amongst readers of German. Promises have been made of large subscriptions for gratuitous circulation. Accordingly we have made a very moderate scale of prices, as followsAmerica. Germany. Switzerland. 2 copies each month, a year 25c Mk. 1.30 Fr. 1.50

5oc Mk. 2.50 Fr. 3.00 5 copies each month, a year Mk. 5.00 Fr. 6.00 12 copies each month, a year. $1.00 Postage included. Those of the interested who by reason of accident or infirmity are unable to pay will be supplied free upon appliWe believe that divine providence is guiding in the cation. undertaking, and will proceed with it shortly. Let US hear from all who favor it at once.

A TRACT

FOR HEBREWS
for such a tract; how many they could judiciously use and in what language it would best serve its purposes-English, German, Polish or Jargon.

We have calls for a tract for Hebrews-to help honest Israelites to find the Lord, Redeemer and Messiah. We would like to hear from all who consider that there is an opening

THE
[This article was a reprint

UNDEFILED CHRISTIAN

ONE
1885, which please see.1

of that published

in issue of September,

THE

FIRST
FER

MARTYR

21.-Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60. “Bc thou faithful unto death, and I will gi\e thee a crown of life.“-Rev. 2: 10. Apparently Stephen% martyrdom occurred not a great Tradition has it that Stephen’s ability as a speaker (verses \lhilc after Pentecost, but the interim had been a neriod of 9, 10) brought him into special prominence and that as a considrl able progress.’ religious logjcian he met with the learned men of his time, At the time of the ascensioi “about onr hundred and twenty” were reckoned as being in full and amongst whom it is said Saul of Tarsus was one. The Jews, deep fellowship in Christ,; ten days later at Pentecost three while in a general sense one in religious matters, were thousand converts were added; shortly after five thousand nevertheless broken up into various little cliques and schools more as recorded in our last lesson; later (S&s 5:14) “mulof thought. much after the manner of the denominations of titudeg. both men and women, were added to the Lord:” Christegdodom today. The classes here mentioned as disputants with Stephen are- supposed to have represented the advanced still Inter, “the number of the disciples was multiplied in uhilosoahies of that dav. combined with Judaism: but all Jerll*alem greatlv. and a great multitude of priests were hf the& philosophv could” hot cope with the wisdom and spirit obrtlic~nt tn the faith.” (Arts C : l-7 ) This period of gathering 111r ripe nheat and establishing them in the doctrines of of the truth which were with Stephen. Naturally this led wicked hearts to envy, malice and hatred; for those who Christ \v;I~ a very npreasnry prel& to the period of trial, nerqerutinn and sufferine whirl1 shortlv followed. are not above all things lovers of the truth are always The ueriecution, however, was & less a diving mercv than the iremoved to more or less hatred when successfully opposed by vinua pcacc and prosperity : the divine rule” for the Gospel the truth. chnrrh cvitlrntlv is that each member shall be “made perfect (11-14) Many have supposed that Stephen met his death throu_nh suffrri&.” The stoning of Stephen was merely the at the hands of a mob. But this is incorrect. Those who hr$nning of the gcncral persecution which in one form or were his enemies because unable to resist the force of his anothrr hns continued ever since, and must continue until areuments had no authoritv to stone him, nor did thev wish to”appear before the peo$e in the light of persecufors of the last mrmhrrs of the bndv of Christ shall have proven their otmonent. Thev therefore suborned or urocured witthemselves faithful cvcn unto death and been accounted worthv of thr crown of life mrntioned in our golden text. nesses ~&&side of th& own cliques to bring ch’arges against Stephen before the Sanhedrin and then while he was disputing Strphrn, it will hc rrmemhered, was chosen RR one of the :lqiiitnnts of the apostles and was known as a deaconwith them the official representatives of the Sanhedrin came miniGtc*r or srrvnnt-the original intention being that the upon him and “caught him” and brought him before the qrrvicr qhonld be chieflv with reference to the temporal council-as though caught in the very act of blasphemy. intrlrits of the church. ” His choice would indicate tha’t he At the trial the witnesses testified falsely in the sense n-n< cnnsitlerrd at the time a man of abilitv. and that faiththat they misrepresented the words and arguments of Stephen, flllncss to the work entrusted to him led & to still greater putting them in a false light. There was, nevertheless, probAccordingly we 111 irilr,nrs and opportunities for * service. ably considerable truth in the charge that Stephen said that fintl him in this lesson ministering spiritual things with Jesus of Nazareth would destroy their city and change the iml)llcmrnt of the spirit and ahilitv closely approaching that customs of Moses. Had thev confined themselves to a strict of thr apostles. He was full of faith and power, says our statement of the matter as Stephen represented it, they common version, and no doubt truly, but the oldest manuwould not have been false witnesses: but, evidentlv anxious to serve those who employed them as witnesses, t%ey exagscripts render this “full of ~raco and power.” Both were trup. brcnuse hr could not havr had the grare and the power gerated Stephen’s statements to the extent of misrepreu ithout the faith. “Thiq is the victorv which overcometh sentation of certain connecting facts and statements in his thr world. even vour faith.” In Rtenhen’s case the faith discourse. working bv love “had produced zeal for the Lord and his (15) It is recorded that when the apostles, Peter and cause : and the faith and zeal blended with the snirit of John, stood before a similar council, a short time previous, grace ~ntl poiver, as holineis gave Stephen estrnnrdinary their judges marveled at their courage in view of the fact pointed out in verse 8. And the same combination will prothat they were unlearned men. So also Stephen was couraduce like gmrr nnd power in all of the T>ord’s people in prothe fact of his arrest, and that he geous. Notwithstanding portion ns tllcse elcmrnts nf character nre found in each. was on trial. and that if found guilty the punishment would [21081

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be death bv stoning, according to the law, Stephen was not daunted. Initead of a look of f&r and servility, or of anger, malice, hatred and defiance, the record is that they beheld his face “as it had been the face of an angel;“-a face beaming with love, kindness, interest in their welfare, desire to do them good, of purity and holiness of motive, combined with humble confidence in God and fearlessness of men. We believe that to a greater or less extent this is the case with all who receive the holy spirit, in proportion as they progress in the knowledge, faith, love, zeal and character of Christ their Lord. This change does not come instantaneously; it comes gradually. The spirit of the world places the marks of selfishness and hardness upon the countenances of all the slaves of sin, in proportion as they are faithful thereto. But when the spirit of the truth is received and these become freed from the slavery to sin and become the servants of righteousness, the result is a proportionate displacement of the marks of slavery upon the countenance and an illumination instead, which more and more approaches the angelic. Look the woridly man or woman in the face, and see-how the cares and battles of and for sin have left their traces: look then into the faces of those who are fully and intelligently the Lord’s, and notice how the marks of care are superseded by a look of confidence and trust and peace proceeding from the hearty acceptance of their new Master’s And this illumination will be found most remarkspirit. able and conspicuous when such saints are actively engaged in telling the good things, and particularly when opposing the error. Stephen’s discourse before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7 : l-53) marks him as having heen a man of great ability. It reads more like the language of the Apostle Paul than that of any And the Apostle Paul, then other New Testament writer. Saul of Tarsus. is sunnosed to have been one of his hearers, a member of the Sanhldrin. The closing of Stephen’s address (verses 51-53) laid upon the Jewish people, and especially upon the Jewish Sanhedrin as the representatives of the religious law, the full responsibility for the death of the “Just One”-as his betrayers and murderers. This pointed application of Scripture and acts, as might have been expected, only aroused the evil hearts of the judges. Of those converted by Peter’s discourse it was said, “They were pricked to the heart ;” but of these it is said, “They were cut to the heart” by the words of truth-the evil of their natures was aroused to the full, they gn;;eh;d on him with their teeth-they were exceedingly in(55-58) Full of the holy spirit, Stephen was wholly unHe was testifying moved by their manifestations of anger. for God and for the truth, and instead of fear of man his heart was brought into the closer sympathy and union with the Lord. The Lord knew all about the termination of the trial and what the sentence would be, and no doubt ave Stephen a vision of heavenly glory-of the Father, an f of Christ at the right hand of his majesty. This no doubt was for the strengthening of Stephen’s own faith for the martyrdom just at hand; and perhaps also intended to act as it His declaration of the vision did upon his unjust judges. he saw capped the climax of their indignation, at his supposed opposition to God and to Moses and to themselves as renresentatives of the Law. Thev construed this to be addit&al blasphemy-that Jesus of- Nazareth, whom they condemned as a blasnhemer. and whose crucifixion thev had procured, was acceptable to God; and not only so, but” made next to the Father-at the right hand of God, or place of power and influence. Using this as a pretext, they terminated the trial and executed the sentence of stoning-stopping their cars as though they would thus say, what no doubt some of them actually felt, that such an exaltation of Jesus next to Jehovah, far above Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the prophets was gross blasphemy which they could not justify themselves in hearing and felt bound to resent by stoning the one pre-

sumed thus to be guiltg of the hemous yin of blasphemy. According to the Law, those who heard the blasphemy did the stoning; and they laid their outer garments at the feet of Saul, which would seem to indicate that he not only consented to the verdict that Stephen was a blasphemer worthv of death. but that he was one of the leaders in the prose&tion, as well as an influential man in the Sanhedrin. (59-60) Without attempting to dissuade them from their course, Stephen offered up prayer to the Lord, and a beautiful prayer it was-not only for the preservation of his spirit, but also that the sin might not be laid to the charge of his murderers. Thus he “fell asleep.” This testimonv respecting Stephen is in full accord with the testimony Lf other Scriptures. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the prophets “slept” with their fathers in death: and the Anostle. after enumerating some of the faithful ones of the pa& (who were stoned, ebz in hope of a better resurrection) ,-grouping them all together, savs (Heb. 11:39, 40). “These all . . . received not the promise ; God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” They all are represented as sleeping and waiting for the morning-the resurrection morning-the Millennial morning-the morning of which the prophet David spoke, saying, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning;” the morning of which the prophet Job spoke, saying, “Hide me in the grave until thy wrath be past [the reign of death during the present age with all of its concomitants of sorrow, trouble and pain, are evidences of divine wrath]. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.” Our Lord, speaking of the resurrection morn, the same great day of awakening from the sleep of death, corroborates Job’s statement, saying, “All that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth.” (John 5 :28, 29) Stephen slept with the others, but as one of the overcomers of the new dispensation he will have a share in the first resurrection (Rev. 20:6), and thus awake earlier in the morning than others not winners of the prize of the high calling of this Gospel age.-Psa. 46:5, margin.
SUFFERING WITH CHRIST STILL NECESSARY

The expression, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” signifies that Stephen understood that the spark of life, the spirit of life, was passing from his control; and by this expression he gave evidence of his faith in a future life, committing it wholly to the care of him who redeemed him from the Dower of the grave and who is shortly to deliver therefrom aI1 who trust %r him. Stenhen’s faithful witness unto death was followed in turn bv that of manv others likewise faithful unto death The and heirs of crowns of life according to the promise. beneficent influences of the Gospel of Christ have since Stephen’s day so permeated the iivilized world, and SO affected it, that the followers of Christ are not at present in danger of being stoned to death for preaching his Gospel. Nevertheless. the Apostle’s words still hold good, “All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer p&se&tion.” It is still necesbarv to suffer with Christ. if we would be glorified with him and share his coming ‘kingdom. But the iersecutions of today are more refined ‘ihan ?n any previous neriod. The faithful todav are not stoned with literal stones & shot with literal arro’ws or literally beheaded, but it is still true that the wicked shoot out arrows at the righteous, “even bitter ~co&s,” and many because of faithfulness are reproved and slandered and cut off from fellowship-beheaded for the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 20:4) Let all such emulate Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Let their testimonies be given with radiant faces like his. Let their eyes of faith perceive Jesus at the right hand of the majesty on high as their Advocate and Deliverer. Let their words be with moderation as were Stephen’s, and let it be true of them, as written of him, “full of grace and power” and “filled with the holy Spirit.”

PERSECUTION

OVERRULED
FEB.

FOR GOOD

28.-Acts 8 : 1-17. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word.“-&\cts 8:4. The tendency of the early believers, as we have seen, was work. This gathering at Jerusalem was in harmony with to gather together-to swarm. This was evidemly in harour Lord’s direction before his ascension, when, after inmony with the divine program, to foster and establish the strutting them to preach the Gospel, he added “beginning at church in the religious capital of the world. Those first Jerusalem.” But now, Jerusalem having had its full period few years were evidently designed of the Lord to permit of favor, the church having been rooted and established, the the church to put on the armor of God, to grow from babes divine plan led on to a wider work; and the persecution in Christ, by the use of the sincere milk of the Word, and which arose at the time of Stephen’s martyrdom became very afterward by its strong meat, up to the stature of Christian general in the city of Jerusalem, and very grievous, and led manhood, thoroughly furnished unto every good word and to the flight of many of the faithful who, we are told, went [21091

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ALLEGHENY,

PA.

everywhere, especially throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. The apostles no doubt considered it a part of duty that they should remain at Jerusalem as a kind of center of influence; partly because they had not yet fully learned the lesson that the gospel they preached, although to the Jew first, is also to the Greek and the whole world. (3) Saul of Tarsus was an energetic man, on whichever side of a question he stood. When an opponent of the Lord Jesus and his church and gospel, he was its most active enemy, and we cannot doubt that his activity in the matter was backed, ns he himself afterward declared, by a “good conscience,” which believed that he “verily did God service” in opposing what he considered to be the sect of the Nazarene. God seems to be specially on the lookout for just such earnest characters, and they are far more certain to get the truth than are the cold, listless and indifferent kind who neither love nor hate either righteousness or sin. Peter and James and John were of this positive and strong character, and they with the Apostle Paul, consequently, were the ones most freely used bv our Lord in conveying the blessings of the gospel-to us an-d to the world. - ” (4-13) It will be noticed that in the nrimitive church there XV& no such distinction of class as ‘there ii in the nominal church today. There was no division into clergy and laitv, but thev were “all one in Christ Jesus.” The division of t’he church’into clelgv‘: and laity took place when the great falling away came, which developed into Papacy; and from that baneful influence manv have not vet fullv escaned. All of the early church were “preachers, &d if Gerse&ed they went everywhere, preaching- the Word. An instance is given One. Philiwnot the ADostleresnectinp this meaching. did succ&sful wbrk in i city of Sam&ia and was *used of the Lord in casting out devils and healing the sick, the means then in use for drawing attention to the gospel. The results of his preaching were marvelous-even Simon the sorcerer became a believer. Sorcery, witchcraft and enchantments of olden times were manifestations of Satan and demons for the delusion of mankind, and were strictly forbidden under the 1Iosaic law. The same evil snirits in more recent vears have sliehtlv altered the character of the demonstrations, and go-&lled Spiritualists are their “mediums.” The change is merely made in conformity to the changed conditions, and both are to be reckoned amongst “the wo& of the flesh ‘and the devil.” There can be no fellowship between the power of the adversary working in his agents for witchcraft and Spiritism and the power of Christ working in his agents and repreThe two are sentatives and through the Word of Truth. in onDosition, however much at times the evil mav claim relat&slrip to the good. So it was in Samaria, as” related in the lesson: the Gosoel onwsed the doctrines of devils propagated through witihcrait’ and sorcery, the effect was to make the people free, and even Simon the medium was

convicted and professed outwardly a conversion and was baptised. Philip’s discourse is but hriefly outlined, but it was along the same lines as the discourses of the apostles noticed in the previous lessons. He preached the “things concerning the Kingdom of God.” How-fullv he explained &ese thingsthat the kinedom would be a Hniritual kinndom. that flesh and blood co;ld not enter it nor.-&en see it, Lnd ihat not the Jewish nation would be heirs of that kingdom with Messiah, but only such as become believers in Jesus, devoted to him and suffering with him, thus attesting their loyalty to the divine plan. We cannot doubt. however. that Philip preached the second coming of Messiah to establish and exalt with himself the kingdom heirs now being sought out, and subsequently through that kingdom, to bless the world of mankind. i\‘e cannot doubt that he urged them to believe in Christ, and by a consecration to him to become joint-heirs with llim in the kingdom, If so be that they suffer with him, that they might also reign with him. Nor did his preaching omit the things pertaining to “the name of Jesus Christ,” and connecting his name as Xessiah with all the We Kingdom hopes which were before the Jewish mind. doubt not that he pointed out to them that the names of Moses and of Abraham and of the prophets, although great, were insufficient for salvation-that tbere is none other name given under heaven or amongst men whereby we must be saved. (14-17) It is worthy of note that Philip the evangelist, although possessed of the holr Spirit and possessed also of certain g<fts of the Spirit, bid *not posse& the power to EvidentJy that power communicate such gifts to others. resided only in the twelve apoqtles-Paul being the twelfth in place of Judas. Consequently, two of the apostles were sent to lav their hands uuon the believer and to communicate the gifts of the holy Spiiit. After seeing the wonderful gifts and powers which the apostles were able to communicate, and no doubt after he had received a gift from them himirlf. Simon the sorcerer offered the apostles money in order to be endured with this apostolic power of communicating gifts of the Spirit to others. Hence the name, “simony,” given to anv attempt to purchase spiritual powers. Up to this time Simon had Dassed for a thoroughlv converted man: but on the strenerth of this evidence of-his non-appreciation of spiritual thi&r the Anostle Peter tells him with verv areat nlainness of speech’that he has neither part nor l& yn the’matter but is yet in the gall of bitterness-is still unre.generate-merely a spectator and not a participator in the spiritual things. Alas! how many today, like Simon, are associated with spiritual thiygs, but have neither part nor lot in them; who merely give their money in hope of some advantage, and not with an appreciation of the spiritual things.

THE

ETHIOPIAN
MARCH

CONVERT

7.-Acts 8 :2G-40. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him .JeSus.“-Acts 8:35. We are not to supnose that UP to this time the Gospel them “as a book that is sealed”-some claiming that it is sealed, others claiming that they are unlearned and therefore had been preached to &y except Jeivs. The eunuch, the s&v unable to interpret. (Isa. 29:11-14) Would that more had of whose conversion is before us. was a Jew. The law made the spirit of the eunuch-a desire to understand the Scriptures special Drovision bv which an alien could become a Jew, and and to avail themselves of such humble instruments as the this Ethiopian evidently had availed himself of that proLord may be pleased to send to them for their aid. vision. He was a devout Jew. an Israelite indeed, a man of How the Lord drew the attention of the eunuch to the influence and some wealth; hi$ devotion had led him to the particular passage of Scripture which perplexed him is not Holy City, to which hundreds of thousands came yearly from recorded; but no better one could have been found as a text various quarters. from which to preach Christ crucified, a sin-offering, a sin His sincerity as a worshiper of the true God was eribearer, a ransom for all. And Philip improved the oppordented by his desire to know the will of the Lord, as indiIt is to such that tunity to preach Jesus as the fulfilment of this prophecy, cated by his searching the Scriptures. the propitiation for our sins, by whose stripes we are healed. the Lord draws nigh nnd reveals himself: not by whispering Whoever mill read over the announcements of discourses for to him an understanding of the passage in question, but by fashionable churches in almost ang large city will be struck sending a Philip to him to expound the Scriptures; just as with the dissimilarity of the themes discussed from those in the caqe of Cornelius, Peter was sent to tell him words upon which Philip and the apostles discoursed with so much of salvation that should be for the saving of himself and power and with so great results eighteen centuries ago. And Philin was evidentlv a zealous servant of the household. who will say that this has nothing to do with the admitted Lord, and hence ivas used of tl;k Lord in the especial mancoldness and deadness in the nominal church? The Gospel ner recorded in this lesson; the Lord seems to look out for which is the power of God unto salvation is not the gospel those who arc of a ready mind, emptied of self and filled of politics, nor of social reform, nor of temperance, etc., with his spirit, and zealous, to be used in his hand, and such but the Gospel of salvation from sin and death by a Saviour are his special servants. Let us all more and more be emptied who has bought us with his own precious blood. vessels for the Master’s use made meet. Philip’s directness of discourse is worthy of note. He Philip’s inquiry, “Understandest thou what thou rcadest ?” did not ride along in the eunuch’s companv avoiding the prinwas a very pertinent one; a question that might be applied cinal theme, making inuuiries about Eth*ioioDia. the condition to a great many Christian people today who, if they answered of’ crops, tile busi&s butlook, etc., but, is ‘having a partruly, would admit that very much of the Scripture is to [21101

PEBRUARY

15,

1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(59-60)

titular business to attend to as a servant of the Lord, he got to preaching immediately. But then, the eunuch was an As a Jew he had been waiting and hoping attentive inquirer. and nravinp for the Messiah and his kingdom. He knew of certain Upas’sages of Scripture which ex&lled the glory of that kingdom and the blessings that would flow from it: other passages which seemed somewhat in conflict he did not understand, and now an explanation had been offered to him which in every sense of the word fitted the rophetic statement and reconciled all differences. What eP could he or se any honest man do than accept the facts of the case? Quite possibly indeed he had already heard of Jesus, and possibly had heard this very Scripture referred to as fulfilled in him. Now that the matter was set clearly before his mindwhat it meant and how it was fulfilled-he wasted no time in acknowledging Jesus the Messiah. He straightway inquired whether or not anything hindered his espousal of the cause of the Nazarene atid his recognition as one of his disciples by baptism 1 We should mark also the directness of Philip’s answer. He did not say, “You will have to go to the mourners’ bench and be prayed for, quite a while, before God will accept you ;” nor did he say, “The proper thing for you to

do is to join this or the other denomination after you have studied Its catechism and made a profession of its lengthy man-made creed or covenant.” On the contrary he said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may properly perform this spmbol of union with Christ, burial into his death.” It is will to note also that Philip did not say to the eunuch, “It is sufficient if you have the real baptism, the real consecration of your life to the Lord, the burial of your will into the Lord’s will, and you need not perform the outward symbol in water.” Philip said nothing of this kind; nor had he or anyone else authority to thus offset the word of the Lord and the apostles, directing all believers to thus symbolize their faith and consecration. It is worthy of note, also, that Philip did not say to the eunuch, “I will go yonder and fetch a little water in the palm of my hand, and sprinkle but the record says that “they both it upon your forehead;” went down into the water” and came “up out of the water.” In what manner the Lord by the spirit caught Philip away is not stated. but we should remember that this was at a time when means of locomotion were limited and when God was pleased to exert his infinite power in various ways in connection with the establishment of his church. added by way of apolon “that he did not wish to criticise those who had views upon this subject, as doubtless some present did, but as for himself he had no views at all.” Poor Had he the least conception “blind leader of the blind !” of the denth of shame involved in such a confession as this, falling frbm the lips of a so-called minister of the Gospel; he would surely bow his head in shame. But no, as Paul puts it, he seemed to “glory in his shame;” and not a minister present raised his voice in rebuke of such shameful The gentleman who took up the last division of ignorance. the subject, whose business it was to suggest a remedy for existing evils in the church, was a “holiness man” and, of Some course, suggested a baptism of the “Holy Ghost.” seemed to coincide with this view and feel their own deep needs, while others sleepily listened and seemed to think that everything was in a fairly prosperous way, though none of them were verv hilariouslv iubilant. Surely,. I “the wisdom of her wise men “shall peri&.“” The last speaker mentioned the fact that he too had been present at Mhody’s meetings in New York 20 years ago, and that he had recentlv heard from friends in the East who Itttributed Moody’s la:k of power to his specnl&ons-is to the Second Coming of Christ. Is it not significant that two out of three speakers gave as the most potent factor in producing this “spiritual deadness” and “lack of power” the agitation of the second coming of our Lord? I think it is. It seems to be an index showing how unpopular this subject is among the D. D’s. It seemed so queer to me: everybody addressed erer;v other body as Doctor: I could not heip thinking how ridiculous it would sound to sav. “Doctor Peter.” and what the impetuous old fisherman &&ld have thougdt. I really felt sorry for these men. But as I witnessed their anxiety and seeming helplessness, I felt like suggesting that preaching the gospel would be an experiment worth trying at least as a remedy for the deadness of their churches. With Christian love, in which Sister Owen joins, to yourself and Sister Russell, I am as ever, Yours in our dear Redeemer, C. A. OWEX. Ohio. DEAR BROTIIER RUSSELL:-We have had some very peculiar experiences of late. We have been holding public meetings (lectures from the chart), and announced them in the papers. St our first meeting a lady attended (a stranger) and at the next brought along four more. After attending four meetings they desired us to fill an appointment at one of their homes, which I did. The room was well filled; subject, “The Church, and Her Steps to Glory;” and they all expressed themselves as well pleased, and have asked for regular meetin,as. This is all a great surprise to us. We learned that there are some fifteen or twenty, nearly all women, who have come out of the churches and- are hoiding meetings among themselves. No objections have been offered to any of our views, but many intelligent questions were asked; reading matter was acceptable, and we distributed a lot of tracts. Your brother in Christ, S. J. ARNOLD. Bend not thine arms for tomorrow’s loadThou may’st leave that to thy gracious God; Daily only he saith to thee, ‘Take up thy cross and follow me.‘”

LETTERS

OF INTEREST

Indiana. DEAR BROTITER RUSSELL:-I feel that I owe you an apology for my long silence, and wish to say that it has been more carelessness on my part than anything else. I have felt less the necessity of writing you often since others of our company have written, and in this way you heard from US, and we from you. We have just had a week of meetings: meeting every evening for counsel, praver and song, in which all were benefited n-ho attended, and this included nearly all our number, though some were kept away through sickness and other causes over which they had no control. 1T7e all felt the need of a closer walk with our dear Lord, and to this end sought a deeper work of grace in our hearts, and the Lord responded to our petitions by meeting with u9 and granting to all that sweet subtle communion which every true child of God has expelienccd and yet cannot describe. I can see the benefits of the meetings already in the increased zeal of those who attended. Some are suggesting that we hold a series of public meetings, and it looks just now as though the way would open up for n series of meetings in Pool’s Hall, about ly2 miles east of here. Tbe churches in Indianapolis are making a special effort now to arouse a fresh interest in religious things. The ministers all seem to realize their spiritual deadness, which has come (as one of them expressed it to me) like a mighty wave over all the churches. I attended the meeting of the Indianapolis Ministerial association the 1st Mondav of this month. i noticed by the papers that the subject foi discussion was, “Is there a lark of sniritual life in the churches? and what are the causes ? and ‘the remedy ?” The gentleman who had the first part of the subject d&l not even debate the subject but spent the first four minutes of ten allotted to him in reading and commenting on statistics which might well arouse them to greater energy. The next speaker was Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, and said among other things that the increase for the year iust closed in four of the leading Presbyterian churches of the city was less than 4 per cent< and that in 1600 (if I remember rightly) of the Presbyterian churches of the country there were no accessions whatever. A dark picture, surely, to all those who believe that all efforts for the salvation of the race will end with this age. This same speaker mentioned the fact that uhe had attended Moody’s -meeting in New York about 20 years ago and that then the Word seemed to PO out with Dower and take hold of the people, especially &urch people. A But that in Moody’s recent meetings, which he had attended also, there seemed to be a total lack of power, for which he was unable to account. . The gentleman who took the next phase of the subject, a. e., “What are the causes of this deadness?” after naming various causes, mentioned as perhaps the principal cause a tendency among ministers to speculate on- v&us subjects “thereby dividing the thought and confusing the minds of their audience.” He mentioned as a particularly detrimental subject of speculation, “The Second Coming of Christ,” and then “Charge not thyself with the weight of a year, Child of the Master, faithful and dear; Choose not the cross for the coming week, For that is more than he bids thee seek;

CONTENTMENT

[%lll]

VOL. XVIII

ALLEGHENY,

PA.,

MARCH

1, 1897

No. 5

VIEWS
DANGER OF THE

FROM
“UTTER

THE
OF

TOWER
FOREIGN MISSIONS

COLLAPSE”

The Missionary Review of the World has been edited by of the world is concerned? Why will they not turn to the Word of the Lord and there see with us that the divine nurRev. A. T. Pierson, D. D. for ten years. Its editor is well posted in everything pertaining to missions, has written a pose in this age is the election or selection of a Chu&, a number of books and pamphlets and delivered hundreds of “little flock!” of which our Lord Jesus is the Head and of Its opinions therefore are enadllresses on this subject. which all his fully concentrated and faithful ones are memtitled to the greatest respect. In its January issue it debers’? Why can they not see that this Church, through trials clares :of faith a&l oppositions from the world, the flesh and the “Without claiming any undue capacity for observation, devil, and through much tribulation, is being prepared of sagacity in diicernment, or accuracy in jud,gment and inducthe Lord to be “his Eingdom and priesthood,” through which, clothed with divine power-glory, honor and immortalitytion, the calm conclusion reached after thirty years of study of this thrme and of active participation in the actual maGod will be pleased shortlv to bless all the families of the earth according to his orcginal promise as made to father chinery of missionary enterprise, is, that at no time during the half-century now closing have missions to the heathen Abraham.-Gal 3 : 16, 29. Wide doors are been at g-cater peril of utter collapse! Those who have been blessed by the Lord with the light open, immense fields invite, some soil calls for the sower, of present truth have no such cause of despondency as others; while harvests demand the reaper; we never knew so well nor have they any lack for fields of work. The Chief Reaper how much territory there is to be possessed, and how deep sends us, as he did the disciples in the Jewish age, with the is the riced of mankind; never had the church such oppormessage of present truth-“the kingdom of heaven is at tunities aud facilities; never such large numbers and wealth hand,“-not to the wild savages of foreign lands, but to the at her disposal ; and yet, with doors open wider than ever, and fields “white already to harvest”-to those who have already candidates offering in unprecedented numbers, the giving heard the gospel,-to gather the “wheat” into his garner of the people of God is so utterly inadequate and disgracebefore the “fire” of the great trouble shall come upon the fully disproportionate, that where every divine sign of the “field’‘-the whole civilized world. times is a call for rapid advance aud expansion, our drums And wherever there are ripe grains of “wheat”’ there we beat a retreat, and our boards loudly call for retrenchment! believe the Lord is sendinp the sickle of truth. In our last “And-what is to our view most fraught with riskissue we gave letters frog some interested in present truth there is a growing apathy about the whole question of the from the various quarters of the world, and we might have world evangelization, which seems to argue a decay at the added to them others from South America, Africa and India. The causes for this we very root of missionary enterprise. Wherever there are ripe grains of “wheat,” thither we believe can not for ourselves either doubt or deny. On one hand there the Lord will send the separating present truth. It will be is a laxity of doctrine, which at least lea& disciples to indulge first of all a test as to lovaltv to him, and the worthiness to in a vague ‘external hope” like Dean Farrar, that the heathen be gathered into his “ga;nery’ as one of his faithful ones; are not really lost without Christ: and on the other hand. secondly, if the test of faithfulness be passed successfully, there is a la&y in practice, which leads to a practical recog: it will serve to bless and uplift and strengthen, and to prenition of all religions as belonging to a universal brotherpare the true believer with an understanding of many things hood of faiths ,and to the fellowship of their representatives that were, many things that are, and much respecting the as entitled to o;r ‘Christian charity,’ forgetful of- the famous things that are yet to be,-that he may not walk on in darkDroverb auoted bv Dr. John Rvland to Robert Hall, that ness and stumble into the ditch of unbelief with the masses. iclmrity i’s an angel while she rkjoiceth in the truth, ‘but a RELIGIOUS AND SEOULAR AFFAIRS OOMB¶INGIJNG harlot when she rejoiceth in inquity,’ embracing those whom The general tendency for religion and politics to draw she should rather pity than weep over.” together is illustrated by the recent decision of a New York The following is given by the same journal as a survey supreme judge, denying a Jewish organization a certificate of the condition of the nominal church which has led, and of incorporation because its annual meeting was fixed for It declares is leading, to this threatened “utter collapse.” Sunday. The journals of the larger religious denominations the cause to be the decline of “vital godliness.” It says:very generally approve the judge’s decision, while the organs “Look at the church pervaded by sectarianism, sacramentof the smaller denominations, and Hebrew apers, very genand Romanism, and an even more fatal alism , ritualism erally, condemn the decision as unjust an 1 an attempt to Behold the awful lack of gospel preaching, the secularism. control by the power of the state questions that are purely reckless extravagance that reigns and practical denial of religious. The smaller denominations very properly see that stewardship, the low level of piety, the prevalence of prayerif the views of the majority are permitted to control in any leqsnes, and the encroachment of virtual infidelity. See the religious matter, it will be an entering-wedge for almost abchurch confronting the world with its more than thousand solute majority control in all religious matters and liberties. million unconverted souls, scattered over a wide unevangelized The Jewish Messenger, commenting on this decision, says:with its unoccupied and neglected fields continterritory, “It has served the purpose of again making the Jew ental in breadth; yet unable to grapple with the awful probappear as under proscription, and at the hands of a jurist, lems of society, conscious of a widening gap or gulf between who, both by birth and training, was supposed to be above itself and the world, yet unable to bridge the gulf, while One cannot but feel ashamed that our age such bigotry. the intemperance, licentiousness, and anarchy of society takes and city should witness such a revival of the blue laws. Peron a more and more revolutionary aspect.” * * * haps Judge Pryor has been influenced by the recent opinion of the New York Presbytery as to the doubtful character of It was necessary that the gospel should be preached in Jewish moral environment. - Judge Pryor’s ruling should not all the world, to every nation, for a witness, before the end PO unchallenned. and his violation of American civil and of this age should come. This work, we believe, has been Religious 1ibeTty’ merits a more effective rebuke than it has WC should be glad indeed if as good a civiliaccomplished. yet received.” nation as our own could be carried to the uttermost regions of earth, but the civilizing and social uplifting of the world THE ARBITRATION TREATY we clearly see from the Scriptures does not belong to this The United States Senate has not yet confirmed the Arbitrabut to the next, the Millennial age. Those who are tion Treatv between the United States and Great Britain: but itiing for the conversion of the world along the lines of there is e;erv probability that it will be approved with’ perpresent missionary effort, or any effort possible under preshaps slight am&dments, The measure is %tremely pop;lar ent conditions, are hoping against hope. Not only can they both in Great Britain and here. and that with all classes. see such discouragements as are above pointed out by the The disposition with many is to’ consider this the beginning Missionary Ilerald, a “danger of utter collapse” because of of univ&sal peace, with season as the arbiter instead-of thg lessening of interest in civilized lands, but, on the other hand, The suggestion is freely made that it will not be Sword. they must look squarely in the face of the fact while their long before all %e nations of -Europe will practically diemost sanguine and exaggerated estimates of this century’s arm. In this, and in connection with the hope for “union” success with the heathen claims one million converts, the same amongst Protestant denominations, the worldly church is period of time has witnessed a natural increase of those looking for the realization of its ideal of the Millennium, when heathen peoples of over two hundred millions. Why cannot the wtiole world will be converted; not by the preaching of all true Christian hearts, which long for the blessing of their Christ. and him crucified. as the only name eiven under heavfellow creatures, see that there is something wrong with their en or’ amongst men, but by harmo&ing t%e Christian reliexpectations, which now after fifteen centuries are as far gion with the various religions of the world, saying, “There as ever from realization, so far as the complete conversion [21121 (63-64)

MARCH

1,

1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(65-66)

is some good in every religion, and the important things are civilization and prosperity, with some outward form of rel&ion.” Alas! how far short all this would come of the grand hones set before us in the gosnel-even if it could be attained. If the whole world w&e’ as peaceful and as unarmed as are these United States, and if the whole world had as great civilization and nrosneritv as have these United States, and if the whole world h&l & much formalistic and true religion as have these United States: alas. how far we would still be from the blessed condition for which our Master taught us to hope and to pray, when he said, “After this manner pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven . . . . Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven.” The following from the Jewish Exponent shows that the Hebrews are looking at the matter in a very proper light:
“THE BEQINNING OF INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION”

“‘And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain [kingdom] of the Lord’s house shall be firmly established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted And above the hills: and unto it shall flow all the nations. many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his And he will judge among the nations and paths. decide for many people ; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning knives; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, and they shall not learn war any more.” “This nrouhecv of Isaiah and Micah dates at least as far back as the ii&h century before the Christian era. At the end of the nineteenth century of the Christian era it begins to find actual realization in the affairs of two great nations. “In presenting the treaty of arbitration between the United States and England to the Senate of the United States. President Cleveland intimates that the result reached may not meet the views of the advocates of immediate, unlimited and irrevocable arbitration of all international controversies.,’ How far from such an ideal the present measure is may he iudoed frcrm those of its nrovisions which limit its durs$0,; to”five years, and make it include but a limited class of subjects within its scope. Compare this with Isaiah’s prophecy of universal and perpetual arbitration, disarmament and peace, under the guidance of divine justice and law, and then judge how far off yet are those “last days” of which the prophets speak. Over two thousand six hundred years have elaused. and this is all the most enlightened and most closely affiiiated of nations are as yet prepared for. “Nevertheless. the President declares that this treatv cannot fail to be everywhere recognized as making a long step in the right direction, and will mark the beginning of a new euoch in civilization. If this be true. Israel’s Dronhetic writOn* the contrary, i&s can hardly be considered obsolete. they promise to attain a new and increased importance from THE PROBLEM OF CHURCH UNITY the fact that the policies they prescribe are now beginning Under this caption the Christian Statesman says:to be practically carried out among the nations. As in many “What we maintain is no mere speculative theory, away other *fundamental principles, a- remarkable unanimity is up in the ecclesiastical clouds, and impossible of realization here seen between the teachings of Israel’s faith and the in this matter-of-fact world. dn the contrary, it is the simple, highest ideals of the American people.” nractical. Scrintural rule bv which the church of Christ. ac“As it was in the davs of Noah:” men do not realize that cording to he; divinely ordained nature, is under obligation we are now in the last days of’ this “present evil world to order her earthly life. . . . We believe that the church The new dispensation is coming so differently [order] .” cannot effectively meet concentrating hostility in her present from what they expect. Alas! how the bright hopes of this divided condition, with her separate denominations often failnineteenth century must shortly be dashed to pieces. What ing to cooperate‘and not infrequently working at cross purchagrin there will be as, one after another, present institucn the poses. We further believe that she will be conwelled tions shall be drawn into the vortex of the great time of ‘near future to search for the true solution of the problem of The trouble which is near at hand and hasteth greatly. her imperatively needed organic unity. We are constrained, Lord has not only declared through the prophets that the therefore, to point out what we are fullv convinced is the sword shall be beaten into nlowshares and the nations learn remedy that must soon be applied for ihe healing of her war no more, but he has &also declared through the same sectarian divisions. . . . The church, like the state, is a channels that this blessed time shall be introduced by a time social being made up of individual members. Each of these And of trouble such as was not since there was a nation. coElective beings, by divine ordainment, is clothed with of that time of trouble it is declared that then many shall And ix each of authority in its appropriate sphere of act&. beat their plowshares and pruning hooks into spears, incl the these collective or social beings are found subiects of authorwhole world be involved in the great battle. The battle will ity. Christ is the Sovereign Lord a& King over both church eventuate in the uttter prostrati& of the world in the zenith But, praise God, those days of and state. His Word, given in the sacred Scriptures, contains of its power and glory. supreme law for each of these social bodies in its distlmt trouble will not be permitted to continue, else as our Lord sphere. For the sake of declared, “there would no flesh be saved.” the elect-because of Christ. the elect Head. and the church. “Due regard in the state for the law of Christ secures for it the balance of political authority and the liberties of the his elect body, and the acieptableness of the sin-offering: citizen, and thus the establishment and preservation of nationthe kingdom of God shall be established under the whole al organic unity. And in like manner due respect for the heavens, to lift up and bless the groaning creation, and to law of Christ will secure to the church and all her individual grant eternal life and joy to all who will accept them under members the balance of ecclesiastical liberty and law and the conditions of the New Covenant. [2113]

Meantime even the blind can see that the common hopes of peace are not built upon a change of the controlling principles of human hearts from selfishness to love. For instance, note the fact that the French government appointed M. de Kerjegn to examine into and renort upon the French Naval “eiuipment as compared with -that of Great Britain. He has filed his report, which, after pointing out the great superiority of the British Navy, urges a large increase of the French navy, and concludes thus: “The aim of every patriotic Minister of Marine ought to be to push on to the possession of a fleet capable of ruinana the commercial supremacy of England at a g&en moment.“Germany also is increasing her naval armament. so are the United States. Japan and -Russia, while Great Britain feels bound to keep her fleet ahead of all, to prevent the ruination of her commercial supremacy. Evidently the lion and the lamb are not yet ready to lie down together in peace;-the lion must first get a new disposition. Lord F. von Lilttwitz, writing recently in a Berlin journal, commenting on the determination of the German government to greatly increase its navy, says: “A second nartitionine of the world is at hand. We need only remembe; the diss&ution of Turkey and the opening of China in order to realize what great opportunities for colonial enterprise rcommercial warfare1 ., still exist. Nor should the restless condition of some of the South American republics be forgotten, for these to many offer future advantages. But we will miss our chance again unless we have a fleet. We must become so strong at sea that nations which can afford to snap their fingers at our army cannot afford to ignore us in partitioning the world. We must have a navy, and we must not lose time in getting it. Our alliances are of no value in this matter. We cannot afford to go to war for the sake of some miserable little piece of land far from us, yet we will have to do so if we have no navy. It mav be assumed that the next partitioning of colonies will be eminently peaceful. But unless we have a navv nowerful enoueh to take possession of our share and to defend-it, the maritike powers will not even consider us as competitor, and we will go out empty.” * * * On the other side of the question a new factor is discovered. The soldiers of Eurone are bePinninn to think. and are not so anxious as they o&e were t% givg up their ‘lives at the behest of kings and princes. A recent dispatch from Brussels, which will be read with interest, is as follows:“The disaffection in the Belgian army, founded on the Socialist propaganda against the use of armed force, appears to be making headway. The Soir announces the discoverv of organized- Socialist clubs in barracks, whose member& while submitting to the rules of the service, are pledged to refuse active service should occasion arise. “Inquiry in one large center has already revealed the existence of a club of this description, and seventeen noncommissioned officers have been suspended.,,

<66-681

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLEGHENY,

PA.

The admitted differences agreement is justifiable and inevitable. It is not believed in consequent enduring organic unity. as coming from God by supernatural revelation, but is treated between the sphere- am% functions of the church on the one as simnlv human in its origin. it will be criticized on its hand and the snhere and functions of the state on the other merits alone, as the Jews, fo: &stance, criticize it, and as it hand will not affect this analogy. Ecclesiastical authority was criticized by the Romans. The Romans opposed the wields no material sword. Its penalties are spiritual!’ Christian system and tried to destroy it as essentially inimIt is seldom that we find the advocates of Church Federaical to the state and the established social order. They viewed tion so outspoken as this; but we admire honesty and frankthe Christians and dealt with them as we now regard and ness even in a bad cause;-and as our readers well know treat Anarchists. If. then. the sunernatural origin and charwe esteem the movement for the proposed organic union of acter of Jesus are denied,’ his teachings will be- examined in the churches and then their coijperative union with the state a light radically different from that in which their discusa very bad cause;-one fraught with danger to the liberties sion has proceeded hitherto. They will cease to be the foundof all classes-but foretold in the Scriptures as associated ation of a religion imposing an obligation of belief as essential with the great trouble with which the social and ecclesiastical to obedience to God, and become debatable propositions made order of this Gospel age will come to an abrupt end. (1) We deny by a human teacher of Dhilosophv. and therefore uroDerlv and We deny every proposition of the quotation. nkcessarily examinable fo dete;m&e their intrinsic v&e: . . . that the church (collectively) is “clothed with authority.” “It is this destruction in which Dr. Abbott and his deOn the contrary, we hold that the individual Christian is free fenders are now engaged. If the Biblical story of Jonah and from authoritv except that of the head of the true churchthe whale is to be -regarded as purely a parable, an allegory, His $ellows^ may advise with him or may withdraw Christ. whose actual occurrence was imnossible and therefore unbelievfrom his fellowshin. but thev have no “authority” over him able, Christianity must descend from its exaltation as a reaccordiug to the kcriptures.” Since there are n&e “clothed of authority.” ligion of divine authority, and drop to the level of a system there can be no “subjects with authority,” of religious philosophy or speculation, of human authorship. The object of Satan, and unwittingly of those whom he deIf the story of Jonah is merely allegorical, a fable, every ceives, has ever been to deprive the individual Christian of the other Biblical tale, from the creation of Adam and Eve up liberty wherewith Christ has made him free, and under one to the supernatural birth and resurrection of Jesus, is likepretext or another to sink the individual in the mass? under wise allegorical, for they conflict equally with the possibilihuman heads and authorities. Papacy is a woeful illustraties under merely natural law. In other words, the argution of Satan’s successes in this direction in the early cenof the sixteenth ments of Dr. Abbott and his defenders shatter the whole turies of this age; and the Protestantism fabric of religion built by faith, and put the Scriptural recentury! which never entirely rid itself of that influence, is ports of supernatural occurrences in the same category with now bemg drawn into the same snare. the tales of mythology. This is a conclusion which the the(2) It is not true, as stated, that God’s Word given in ologians of the schoii of Dr. Abbott try to avoid, with a “the. s&red Scriptules ‘contains supreme law for each if these timidity which mav be natural in view of their ecclesiastical On the contrary, the Lord’s commands and counsels bodies.” relations, for it takes away the reason for their existence. . . . ant1 promi+es were first to the little natlon of Israel only, and “Our correspondents who discuss the case of Dr. Abbott, secondly to the peculiar people, royal priesthood and holy have no conception of the tremendous revolution in sentiment natlou-the chu~cll called out of the world and begotten of a of which it is a symptom. All the infidelity of past ueriods new spirit through that Word. And the Lord’s words to the has been of no ion&equence as compared with ihe present church are not as an organization but as individuals only. infidelity. of which, for the moment, he has made himself an “If U,ZI/ man [individually] will be my disciple, let him deny exam@& It is an ‘iilfidelity which &trikes at the supernatural himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. He that hath basis upon which Christianity rests, and therefore relegates an ear let him [individually] hear.” the religion of Christendom to the position of mere mythology So far from recognizing the state, the nations, aud giving and fallible human philosophy.” them laws, the Lord’s Word declares that they are all “king We freely endorse the editor’s nrgument.q and his definidoms of this world” and under “the Prince of this world”tion of modern criticism as the rankest infidelity. Satan. And through the prophet he has pictured these Gen* * tile governments or states as ferocious beasts, and told of their * utter destruction at the time of the establishment of his The disposition of many to fail to discriminate on such Kingdom for which he taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom sulJjects is witnessed by the fact that Dr. Buckley, of the con1c !” New York Christian advocate is rated as an utter repudiator (3) It is not true that “Due regard in the state for the of the Bible., worse than Dr. Abbott,-simply because he delaw of Christ seczlres for it the balance of political authorclared his disbelief that every word, punctuation and flyspeck ity.” Quite to the contrary, the balance in p&tics often goes of our English transZutiou of the Bible is inspired. Nobody of to the side of the corruDt and the saloon element. The hissense could dispute his proposition. It is the original Scriptory of the various so-tailed Christian States of Europe, writtures that we hold were inspired; not the translations of it. ten in blood, shows that none of them have ever been conVastly different ib Doctor Buckley’s position from that of trolled bv the laws of Christ, but all of them perforce on Doctor Abbott. contrary “lines. Christ gave no national laws because his kingThe start of modern criticism or “higher criticism” may He rules individually each citizen dom is not of this world. be said to have been in the theorv of Evolution-which is of 1Li.shcnvenly kingdom. diametrically opposed to the Bible iheory of the creation of (4) The claim that such an orga?&ed and dominating man in God’s likeness, his f&Z into sin, imperfection and ecclesiastical authority would need no sword but would merely death, his redemption by a ransom and the restitution to This was Papacy’s execute spiritual penalties is delusive. come. For instance, she damned cl~~im in tllc zenith of her power. But according to the following clipping from the New told how God would torment the Huguenots as “heretics,,’ York Tribune, the most intelligent Christians are already perthem in the future, and declared that “heretics” had no rights verts from the Bible faith to the protoplasm and monkey which governments or people were bound to respect, and doctrine of Evolutio?,. and hence to its associated doctrines promised eternal rewards to all who would oppose them. And known as “higher crltlcism.” It says: when the French king. thus incited, entrapped and massacred “Today, though evolution is not a demonstrated truth, them Papacy struck-‘metlal~ to hi4 ho&- and made him a and perhaps never will be, it is practically accepted by most saint. Thus s&ritual venalties and rewards was internreted intelligent Christians as the best explanation of life. . . . . not very long igo. We-do not presume that Protestant author“Quite as terrible at first seemed the blow which evolution ity would at once become so arrogant, but in some form all aimed at the literal interpretation of the Scriptures. Most dissenters would be cousi(lered “heletics” or “anarchists,,’ and of those who first read The Origin of Species believed literpersecuted to the extent tha public sentiment would sanction. ally in the creation stories in Genesis.; and, of course, any THE REAL IMPORT OF MODERN CRITICISM theory that made such a belief impossible must have seemed a denial of God’s Word. That view of the matter has been The editor of the New York Sun has devoted considerable abandoned long ago by Christians. . . . Thirty six years space to the discussion of modern criticism of the Scriptures, ago it was Darwin against the whole Christian world. Today as recently nubliclv roiccd bv Rev. Lvman Abbott. The Darwin lies among Christian England’s honored dead in Westeditor shows himself as ever to be a lo,&ian. Of course, his minster Abbey, and the man who publicly protests against editorials have aroused opposition from many who seek to defend this modern infidelity. Referrine to these defenders. I elevating to the chair of St. Augustine a clergyman who holds the views of Darwin is contemptuously brushed aside as a the Sun of Feb. 9, says: ” crank.,’ “They all miss the point, which is that if there is not * * * supernatural authority for Christianity it becomes simply a system of moral philosophy, regarding whose soundness disThe man referred to, who was treated as a “crank,” is the
L I

[2114]

MARCH

1,

1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER are Christian nations. Is there room for him in either? “Has not Christianity settled down to be a mere lifeless form? Suppose it were possible to petition Christ to return to earth to rule us. How many of the people of New York would sign the petition? Would business men sign it? They would have to change their methods first. Would stock-brokers sign it 0 It would smash up their business pretty quick. Would saloon-keepers sign it t They would tind their occupation gone should they do so. “I’ll bring the question closer home to you. How about the churches. Do they want him? Pride and form and dignity in the church would have to step down. “But we can bring the question even closer to us. How many ladies here would vote to have him come? I think but few hands would be raised should the vote be taken thic, afternoon. Thank God, there are a few who have stepped out of the world who would welcome him 1”

clergyman mentioned in our issue of January 15, who protested against the enthronement of Dr. Temple as Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of all England, because as an Evolutionist he was necessarily lacking in all the fundamentals of Christianity. Now hear Brother Moody, the Evangelist. Before a large audience in Carnegie Hall, New York City, he said : “Nineteen hundred years have rolled away since Christ found no place on earth to lay his head. His gospel is now preached in all parts of the world, but is it not a fact that even now there is not room on earth for the Son of God, and no nation wants him? “Does America want him9 It is a Christian nation. Eng land claims to be the most Christian nation, but if a man stood up in Parliament tomorrow to advocate-could it be possible-that Christ should come in person to rule England, he would be hooted down. France, Germany, Italy and Spain

THE

MEMORIAL

SUPPER

As instituted by our Lord, and perpetuated by the apostles and the early church, the Memorial Supper took the place of the Passover Supper-on the fourteenth day of the Jewish first month Nisan. This custom of the earthly church is still Dreserved in the English. Roman, Greek. Armenian and other so-called “Catholic” -ch&ches and by Lutherans. But soon after the death of the apostles, ceremonialism gradually crept in and very greatly altered the original simple memorial services. Then, too, the idea of the Mass was evolved-a fresh sacrifice of Christ as the basis for forgiveness of special sins. Masses are not figurative sacrifices, remembrances of the great sacrifice at Calvary, but meant as new and real sacrifices. The priest is specially commissioned to turn plain ingredients of bread and wine into the actual body and blood of Christ in order that the priest may make a fresh sacrifice of Christ, with frrsh efficacy for the forgiveness of the special sins for which the Mass (sacrifice) is performed. These Masses appear in many respects to merely elaborate the blessing and breaking of the bread and wine at the institution of the Memorial Supper, only that they may be and are celebrated at any hour of any day or night. It is not surprising that after a thousand years of false teaching and false practice along these lines, Protestants, when awaking and seeking to find the old paths, failed to discern all of the Papal error on this and other subjects. Accordingly, while discarding the Papal Mass (called in Scripture “the abomination that maketh desolate”) as additional sacrifices for sins, and uroverlv holding and teaching that “by -one offering ‘he [C&i&] sath perfYected for eve; them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10: 14). thev overlooked the fact that the added times ‘for what t&y ter*m “communion” were added for Masses, and that the anniversary of our Lord’s death is the only appropriate and the only appointed time for its commemoration. Accordingly, some celebrate three times a year, some four and some weeklv. If the contention. “the oftener the better.” be correct, why “should they not celedrate it every day? While we cannot say that done in sincerity it is at any time a sinful abomination like the Mass, we may be sure that men of today are not wiser than our Lord and the inspired teachers of the church-the apostles-and that any change from the original institution must result unfavorably. The occasion loses its weight and impressiveness by repetitions disconnected with the fact memorialized. How national memorials would lose their intended significance if repeated three to fifty times a year! The fourth of July, for instance, celebrates a great event, the institution of the United States Government, and it is generally celebrated. But suppose instead it were celebrated weekly or quarterly-would not this deprive the celebration of weight and influence? Assuredly; and so with the memorial of our Lord’s death-its anniversary is its only proper or designated occasion for celebration. But once the origin was lost sight of, general carelessness and indifference prevailed, so that although always mentioned in the Scriptures as a “Supper,” it is now generally observed at dinner time; and rarely or never as a supper or evening meal, like its pattern. The expression, “As oft as ye do this, ye do show forth the Lord’s death. till he come.” has been misinterDreted bv many to mean,ADo this as often as ye choose. L But tge emphasis should be put upon this-‘As oft as ye celebrate this annual memorial, instituted by our Lord, ye are showing forth his death, and are to so do until his second coming--untaZ the establishment of his kingdom and your glorification therein will fulfill or complete all that is symbolized in the memorial.’ As the people of God “seek for t,he old paths” (Jer. 6:16), the light of present truth spreads and the number who eele-

brate the central fact of redemption (the great Sin-offering) on its anniversary increases ; and this year probably more than ever before, since the fifth century, will “Do this” in remembrance of their Redeemer, on the anniversary of his death. The “Catholic” churches slightly changed the method of reckoning the anniversary so that they always celebrate a Friday for our Lord’s death (Good Friday) and, on the Sunday following, his resurrection (Easter Sunday). The early church, however, followed the Jewish custom of counting, regardless of the days of the week, and so we do. In fact, it is claimed by some that, as the Jews had an abrupt beginning of months every Spring, with the appearance of the new moon at or after the vernal equinox, so they had an abrupt beainning of weeks with the- begiiming df Passover, which %as always counted a Sabbath and the new start of the cycle. However this may be, their Passover week always began with the fifteenth day of Nisan by divine direction,-Exod. 12; Num. 28:16, 17. We Christians, however, do not celebrate the Passover week. That will &nd its anti-type by and by, when the glory of the Kingdom shall be enjoyed. We celebrate the fourteenth; a d%y of which the 3;~ takes little or no account. It would appear that the fourteenth of Nisan should have been generally observed, but that the Jews seemed to begrudge the time, and generally crowded the supper over onto the fifteenth day, to gain one more day for business. Certain it is that it was proper to both kill and eat the Passover lamb on the fourteenth, for our Lord and the twelve apostles so did, and our Lord was crucified on the same day; this being provided for in the Jewish arrangement of time. which began each day at six P. M.-Lev. 23:5, 6. ReckoninP accordinn to the Jewish rule. the fourteenth of Nisan will This year sommence Thursday; April 15 at SIX P. M. At 8 P. M a few earnest Christians all over the world, including a little company in Allegheny, will break the memorial bread and taste the memorial fruit of the vine, in grateful remembrance of him who loved us and gave himself for us: and in Dledee of our fellowshiv with him and all who * are hi& in their suffurings and trials 02 this present time: anh in test&ony of our hop&s of fellowship by aid by in his &ory. Reader. will YOU not ioin with us at that hour? Whether alone, br as little groubs, hundreds of miles asunder, we will surely have a special blessing; and, if we seek it, no doubt we will be welcomed specially near to our Heavenly Bridegroom and be specially strengthened to share his cross, and to withstand the wiles of the devil. We do not invite a general convocation to Allegheny as formerly, for two special reasons: (1) we are so situated as to be- unable to entertain as formeily ; and (2) we believe that the cause in general is benefited bv havina all of each little group meet tigether on this occasion. Ev&y family together, was the law for the Jews; and it seems appropriate and profltable for us. As we have heretofore pointed out, anyone of the Lord’s people, the choice of the company, may serve the emblems of our Master’s broken body and shed blood. The distinctions of “clergy” and “laity” are not of God, but of mistaken men. All who are true -“disciples” are invited to take, eat, drink and distribute the emblems. It would surely reauire a great amount of authority and ordaining to quaiify *any ma\ to “create God” out of bread and wine, as it is claimed the Catholic priests do; but it requires only a fully consecrated, humble believer to do any and every thing commanded by our Lord in respect to this beautiful memorial. Let us, therefore,-all who are his and who see the beauty of his arrangement-obey, and “do this” in remembrance of him. Un-

121151

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WATCH

TOWER they will only sharpen our appetites for more of our LambChrist our Passover (lamb) slain for us. (Exod. 12:8, 11, 12 ; 1 Cor. 5:7) And, inasmuch as the law provided that none of the lamb must remain over to be eaten on the morrow, it seems to signify, typically, that the privilege of participation in the Lord’s sacrifice is meant by the eating, and that this fellowship or communion in sufferings is confined to this Gospel age. This is intimated also by the Apostle.-1 Cor. 10:16, 17. Let all of the Lord’s people examine themselves to see that their hearts are circumcised, separated from the will of the flesh and fully subjected to the will of God in Christ. Let us see to it that we purge out any of the old leaven of malice, envy and strife (1 Cor. 5:8), that the thoughts and intents of our hearts are pure and sweet and clean., and that unavoidable weaknesses are under cover of the precious blood. Although the Lord and the apostles gave no command to fast forty days, as is the custom of the “lenten season” with many, and although we deprecate such formal commands of men, nevertheless, we believe that those who as a preparation voluntarily do some fasting, as well as praying, will he blest according to their faith and love and devotion.

leavened bread is best to use. as an emblem of our Lord’s purity, his freedom from sin, bhich leaven symbolizes. Fruit of the vine may be wine or (preferably, we think) unferor the juice from stewed raisins;mented grape-juice, “fruit of the vine” is quite a broad term.
MAKE DUE PREPARATION

In the type only the circumcised were allowed to eat of the Passover supper. Circumcision of the heart is the antitype, as the Apostle explains, and signifies a full consecration to the Lord and a seuaration from the filth of the flesh and sin in general. Lei us note, also, that none but those consecrate& to be broken with him, &d to share his cup of sufferinp and self-denial. are trulv “discinles.” and invited to “do %s.“-See Matt. i0 :22, 23. ” A ’ Note, also, that even the“‘circumcised” were to cleanse their dwellings and nut awav sin. svmbolized bv leaven. And faith in the blood Gust be publi& confessed hs symbolized by its being sprinkled on the-front bf their houses. -All these things reDresented Christian life during this Gosnel aee. The eaters a& to be Pilgrims who seek a-heavenly Country ; our “bitter herbs” are the trials and persecutions and revilings and disappointments, incident to our faithfulness to the Lord;-

MILLENNIAL

DAWN

MISREPRESENTED

the law to Israel), *-this chance, call it first or second as A Seventh-Day Adventist, ,lournal contains the following any may please, is the only one we find in the Scriptures, misrepresentation :and the only one presented in MILLENNIAL DAWN. But let “If it was expedient that Christ should pass the portals us see how ample it is, and how few have yet enjoyed this of the tomb to save men from the Adamic death, then it is chance of trial for eternal life, secured by the precious blood. equally expedient that he should pass the second death tomb, Did the millions who lived outside of the favored nation in order to save those who fail in the first opportunity, that of Israel for the period of over forty-one centuries before they might have the second probation as per Millennial Dawn Christ, whom the Apostle describes as being “without God theology. A second probation for all mankind, and especially and having no hooe.“-did those millions have any share in the heathen, is a corner-stone in Millennial Dawn theology. this chants or trial ‘purchased by the precious blood8 SureWe ask, Where is the scripture to show that Christ passed the ly not!-See Eph. 2:12. second-death tomb? If n&, can he, or will he, save-men from Did the millions of Jews who lived and died before Christ, the second death. throuph a second Drobation?” and who at the very most had only typical atonements for As a Seventh-day &lventist, the *writer of the above no sin, year by year, which could never take away sin, nor make the doubt acknowledges himself amenable to the command which worshipers perfect :-did these have a chance or fair trial for says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigheternal- life-under ‘the New Covenant, which had not in their bor.” In the above statement he violates that rule: he bears day gone into effect? Surely not!-See Heb. 9 :9 ; 10:4. false witness against MILLEXNI~L DAWN and should make Did the Jews of our Lord’s day who rejected him have a amends by reading the book unprejudicedly and then corfull chance? No; for our Lord and the prophets and the recting the misrepresentation. aDostles testify that “thev were blinded” and that “throu& MILLENNIAL DAWN teaches the very contrary of what is &wrance” th;?y crucified” Christ, “as did also your ruler;.‘, Tt teaches that there will be neither here attributed to it. (Acts 3:17) And we are clearly informed that their national redemption nor recovery from the Second Death, but on the blinding was for a purpose, and is to be removed ; and that contrary, that it is the everlasting punishment predicted for then the New Covenant will go into effect toward them as a all intelligent and willful evil doers. people.-See Rom. 11:25-27-33. The merest babe in spiritual things should know that How about the heathen of today, and the hundreds of under the divine sentence against Adam, which was shared millions of the same class who have died since the true Light, by all of his race, not one of the human family could have the great Light came, since the Atonement sacrifice was everlasting life;-no, nor even a trial for it, which was what slain at Calvary;-have they had any chance of everlasting Adam had and lost,-except as the ransom-price first secured life, in the remotest sense, never having so much as heard of This is the a release from the original Adamic sentence. the New Covenant or of the only name given under heaven plain argument of the great Apostle Paul in Romans 5:12, or among men, whereby we must be saved9 Knowledge is 17-19. essential-to a t&al for iife everlasting. This one opportunity or chance for life, secured by the How about the other millions who have lived in so-called great sin-offering finished at, Calvary, is the only one recogChristian lands, and have heard church bells ring and seen niled in MILLENNIAL DAWN. And it is quite sufficient. The Bibles, and heard perhaps the preaching of clashing creedsScriptures assure us that it was “for all,” for “every man,” that we are saved bv works and it matters not what is be“a propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also lieved ;-that we are” saved not by works but by faith ; that for the sins of the whole world:” and logically this implies we are saved by both faith and works;-that we are saved that “all,” “every man,” “the whole world;” will be granted by water baptism;-that it should be done by sprinkling;an onnortunitv to nrofit 11v it. and. if thev will, to come into that it should be by immersion;-that it is for the foreveharnidny with” God: under “the’mer&ful pr&isio& of the New ness of sins;-that it is not for the forgiveness of sins, but Sovcua&, and thus gain the gift of God, eternal life, through for induction into the elect church;-that there is but one This one chance is to be so comDlete, Jesus Christ our Lord. true church, one Lord, one faith, on baptism;-that the Roman Ii wili so ample, that there will be no reason for another. Catholic church is that one and all others false;-that the be a second chance, individually, to but one person, Adam. Lutheran is the one, and all others false ;-that the PresbyIt can only be considered a second chance for the entire race terian is the one, and all others more or less in error ;-that by reckoning the entire race as having its first chance while the Methodist church is the one, and all others confused. in the loins of Adam. in Eden. That Eden chance or trial What shall we say of those who in all the din and confusion resulted in loss to Aham and all in him; none gained life (“Babylon”) do not believe, because they know not what to under that chance or trial ; and it is from that loss that all believe 0 have been redeemed by the second Adam who came to seek Shall we say that such have had a full, fair chance for and to save that which was lost; and who under the New eternal life; and that their failure to believe marks them as Covenant, sealed with his own blobd, provides an opportunity fit for the second death? No; we will rather hear the Word for the whole race to return to life and harmonv with Godof the Lord on the subject. ’ (1) The Apostle’s declaration (1) the church as his bride; (2) the world as his &Z&en, to that “the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them the willing and ohedieut of whom he shall become “the everthat believe not, lest the glorious light of the goodness of lasting father.“-Isa 9:6. God should shine into their hearts. (2) We will remember This chance, secured by Christ for all through his atoningthe promise of our Lord’s Word, that times of refreshing and sacrifice;-this chance which dates from our Lord’s resurrecrestitution shall come at his second advent (Acts 3 : 19-21), tion (except as in a typical manner it was previously faintly and that then Satan, who now blinds and deceives men. shall revealed to the faith of the patriarchs and prophets and in [2116]

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1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(72-73)

be “bound” and deceive the nations no more” for the tbous(3) We will remember and years of our Redeemer’s reign. the promise through the prophet (Isa. 29:18; 35 :5; 42 :7, 16) that in that Millennial day all the blind eyes shall be opened, and the light of the truth made seven-fold clearer,-perfectly clear-so that the knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth, ocean deep (Isa. 11:Q) ; and then an the families of the earth who have not had “ears to hear” during this age shall be blessed with a chance or trial for life under most favorable conditions, according to the blessed terms of the Abrahamic Covenant through the seed of Abraham (Christ Jesus, the head, and the church, the body).-Gal. 3 : 16, 29 ; 1 Cor. 6:2. Let us remember that trial always precedes sentence.

Adam was on trial for everlasting life: the result of his failure was the penalty, Adamic death, in which we all share. Adam and all of his race were bought back from that sentence by the great sin-offering which God accepted. As a result another “chance” or opportunity for trial for everlasting life comes to Adam and to his race. But since the race is no longer “in Adam” this trial must be an indtvidual one. (See Jer. 31:29-34; Ezek. 18:2-4) As a full, fair opportunity was necessary under the first trial in Eden, so now all must come to a clear knowledge of the conditions of life and death before they can be condemned or justified. This trial will be so complete that there would be no use for another, a third trial, and hence there is no provision for recovery from the Second Death.

“WHY

PERSECUTEST
MABCH

THOU

ME?”

14.-Acts 9: 1-12, 17-20. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.“- 1 Tim. 1:15. Saul’s transformation, from an enemy of Christ and his sequently used by the pope of Rome. They had power to authorize arrests and imprisonments for the infractions of church to a friend and zealous servant, is generally termed their religious rules and regulations. Saul, exercising the In our opinion, however, the term “converhis conversion. same respect to law and authority that subsequently marked sion” would scarcely be appropriate in such a case. Saul of all of his dealings and teachings as a Christian, did not atTarsus was either a bad man and a hyprocritical Pharisee, a tempt to take matters into his own hands in the persecution money-lover and self-lover, as were many, or else he was an Israelite indeed. whose aim and object was the service of of the Christians, but went about it in the manner recognized as legal-under the sanction and authority of the highest God, and whose’persecution of the e&ly church was prompted Let us remember that nearly all persecureligious tribunal. by his fidelity to God. We believe that the latter description tions have been sanctioned by some human law, and regulate is the one which fitted his case: it is in harmonv with his ourselves under the divine code. own testimony on the subject: ‘(1 verily thought -that I did (3-9) The account here given of the opening of the eyes If then Saul was not only a member of the God service.” of Saul’s understanding is that of Luke. and was doubtless favored nation of Israel, but a true and loyal member of it, received directly from ‘ihe Apostle Paul ‘himself-with whom thoroughly consecrated to the Lord and serving him to the he traveled for-a time. Two-other accounts are given by the best of his knowledge and opportunity, but merely blinded (See Acts 22:6-11: 26:12-20) The Anostle Paul himself. for the time by prejudice and misconception, we can no more th>ee accounts are in practical agreement, and show only such think of his case as a conversion that the cases of the other variations as might rkasonably -be expected, considering the The Lord chose the original twelve because they apostles. fact that thev were delivered under different conditions: as were Israelites indeed; and he gave them the needed init was sought”to emphasize or elaborate different points. Bad struction for his service; and this he did also for Saul, though the three accounts been exactly alike, word for word, there The word convert signifies to in a more striking manner. would have been just ground for supposing a special preparturn about in an opposite direction. But Saul was already ation of the text with this harmony in view. Even the seemnamely, in a whole hearted going in the right direction: ing discrepancies of the account, when rightly seen, are adservice of God, though his e‘fforts were expended upon the The Lord merelv ouened ditional evidences of the truthfulness of all. The account wrong thing in the right direction. itself being simple, we need give attention only to those points the eyes of-his unde&anding and showed him the bette; how which apparently conflict. All three accounts say that Saul his e-fforts should be used. - Saul needed no conversion and himself heard the voice, saw the light and fell to the ground. needed merelv to be shown aripht: and he proved this by One of the accounts adds that all with him fell to the earth as much fidelity and energy in ‘ihe’ Lord’s service afterward as well. The account in our lesson tells that the men of his as he had ignorantly misused previously. company “stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no Saul was one of those Israelites who lived amongst the man.” Another account says, “They beheld indeed the light, Gentiles, but who occasionally went up to Jerusalem to cerbut they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.” These tain of the feasts. His home was in the city of Tarsus, one accounts can be harmonized in this way: Saul himself was of the notable cities of that date-said to have been excelled in scholarship and fine arts by the cities of Alexandria and evidently the center of manifestation-“a great light sbone round me.” His companions doubtless saw something of this Athens only. He not only had the advantages of a home in light in a general way, but they did not see the source of such a city, but his familv was one of the influential ones, the light; they did not see the glorious body of our Lord as is implied in the fact that he was not only a citizen of Saul, however, saw the glorious Tarsus but also a citizen of Rome. In addition to the eduJesus,-“seeing no man.” body of our Lord Jesus, as he himself subsequently testified, cation of his home citv he had received a special course in “last of all he [Jesus] was seen of me also.” Although none theology or Jewish Law at Jerusalem, under Gamaliel, one of His early training, but Saul was smitten to the ground, the others who stood speechof the greatest teachers of that time. less and terrorstricken no doubt soon kneeled reverently about therefore, and all of its conditions were favorable to productheir leader. Respecting the voice-Saul and all that were with ing in him a breadth and refinement of thought equaled by him heard a sound. “the voice.” but onlv Saul could distinguish few: and these conditions combined with his honestv of the urords-which were meant’ for him alone. A similar c&e is heart and his zeal for God, though not at first accord&g to recorded in John 12:28, 29, where it is stated that our Lord knowledge, fitted him to become just what the Lord subseJesus heard a voice from heaven, saying, “I have both gloriquently made of him; namely, “A chosen vessel unto me to fied it, and will glorify it again.” But the people that stood bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children by and heard the voice understood not the words, but said that of Israel.“-Acts 9 : 15. “it thundered.” Saul and all of his company in one sense of (1) It would appear that the circumstances connected the word heard the sound or voice, but in another sense of with the stoning of Stephen only incited Saul to the greater the word he alone heard the voice. We use this same form energy in stamping out what he believed to be a very inof expression in our daily conversation today. If some one jurious doctrine-a heresy. Our own experience confirms the speaks to us in a low or indistinct voice, we say that we did thought that an earnest, conscientious opponent is more to not hear-we mean that although we heard the voice we did be respected than a cold, indifferent professed friend, and not understand or comprehend it. we are reminded of the Lord’s words, “I would thou wert The feelings of Saul, aa he heard from the Lord of glory cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, snd neither Let us a reproof of his misdirected zeal, can be better imagined than cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” described. Nevertheless. we can but admire the uromntness have respect, therefore, for all who are warm-hearted and with which he at once laid down the arms of his bpposition, zealous ; remembering that there is more hope of their being and placed himself on the side of the one whose cause hc pleasing to God, and being accounted worthy to receive the had so recently persecuted. We can imagine him praying, truth, than for the lukewarm. ‘Lord teach me ! In my blindness and ignorance I have been (2) The Jewish priesthood was granted and exercised confighting against thee, the Only Begotten of the Father, the siderable power under the arrangements of the Roman governMessiah; while “I verily thought I did God service.” Having ment. It had come to exercise very much of the power subIII-14

c21173

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ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLEGHENY,

PA.

made such a great mistake I am thoroughly humbled, I cab no longer trust to my own wisdom nor to the wisdom of those in whom I have heretofore confided;-the chief priests, the scribes and Pharisees. Now Lord, I come to thee. Show me how I can undo some of the great wrong I have done ignorantly. Show me, and I will te glad to promptly follow and obey.’ How deep a hold the matter took upon the mind of Saul may be judged from the fact that he neither ate nor drank for three days. He could not tbmk liebtlv of his own blinded course. Deep contrition is always a God” evidence of genuine rr1wntanw 01 11long. No doubt his Thoughts were busy, and, well educated in the law and in the Dronhets. and familiar with what he had learned concerned ibe- Naiarene and his teachings, we may reasonably suppose that those three days of blinttlless and fasting were days of prayer and reflection, in which he dillgently compared the testimony of the law and the prophets with what he knew of the Nazarene and his teachings. His natural sight had been destroyed, but his mental vision bad been opened, and he now saw matters in a new and wonderful llgbt. (lU-17) The name Ananias in a previous lesson was associated with ungodliness and falsehood, but here we find another Ananias Gf totally a different chaiacter-a true servant of the Lord. His hesitation (vs. 13-16) does not seem to have been caused by opposition, ‘nor fai&lessness, but rather a reasonable caution. He had heard of Saul and possibly also knew Saul’s host to be an enemy of the cause of Christ, and therefore wanted to assure himself that he was not misunderstanding the Lord. The Lord very graciously made the matter clear to him, as he always does to his faithful ones, and Ananias promptly fulfilled his mission. Here again is an illustration of divine methods : The Lord sent upon this important errand one who apparently was a very humble member of the church. He did not send Peter and John and James the apostles from Jerusalem with great pomp and show to receive the penitent enemy of the cross and to make a public triumph, but used an instrument ready and willing that ww nearby. This should be a lesson to us that the Lord is both able and willing to use in his service the humble ones who are ready and waiting“Emptied, that he might fill them, as forth to his service they go; Emptied, that so unhindered his life through them might flow.” (X3-20) The scales which fell from the eyes of Saul would seem to indicate that a certain vortion of the eve had been thoroughly destroyed by the greai light; and the “healing may be said to have been in a natural wav bv the removal of the injured (‘01nca. Although informed tdat ie received his sight, we ;IIC not informed that his eyes were made whole. Indeed, it seems very evident, from subsequent statements, that to his dyng day his eyes ncvcr recovrred their soundness and his sight wa< never again normal. It has been surmised, and we think wit11 good reason, that the continued weakness of his eye* conGtitutr:l what he terms “a thorn in the flesh.” Althouah tinder the power of the holy spirit he was granted many gifts of the spirit, amongst others the gift of healing, and although he exercised this gift of healing upon many (see Acts 19:11, 12), yet the Lord did not relieve him from his

This must have been all the own weakness in this respect. greater trial; it would seem all the more strange that he who could heal others could not heal himself; that he who had divine power for the blessing of others in this way, should not have the divine power for his own blessing. Our Lord’s for thee, answer to his petition was, “My grace is su&ient my strength is made perfect in weakness.” The noble Apostle exclaims, Therefore most gladly 1 will suffer, if thereby the grace of God toward me shall be the greater: and thereafter he never reauested the removal of this “thorn.” Several incidents in his-experience confirm this conclusion. (1) Although an educated m-an, he seldom wrote his own letteis; and %f the one letter which he did write. although vne of the briefest. he remarks (Gal. 6-U), “Ye see how iarge a letter I have written unto you with my own hand.” The Greek would even give the thought that these words apologize for the use of very large characters in the writing-such as a semi-blind person would use; (2) the Apostle comes down to us in history as “the bleared-eye Jew;” (3) when standing before the tribunal of the chief captain he declares that he did not know Ananias as the high priest; whereas, if his eyesight had been good. he could not have well helDed knowing him, on account Gf his gorgeous apparel (Acts 23:5) ; (4) rn wiiting to the Galatians hc tells them (4: 15) that. when he first met them. their love and sympathy‘ for him wkre such that they would willingly have plucked out their own eyes for him-an expression which would be meaningless, unless his eyes were defective. After a few days to gain strength from his fasting and the nervous excitement incidental to bis experiences, days of communion with those whom he had come to persecute, and whom now in his renewed condition of mind he recognized and fellowshiped as dear brethren, he promptly began to preach Christ as the Son of God-publicly using the opportunities afforded in the Jewish SvnaPoPues. Those who think of the Apostle-P&l’s experiences as on a par with the conversion of sinners greatly err. Such conduct as is here related is not the conduct of sinners, enemies of God. The account of the Apostle’s enlightenment in the gospel is the account of a most noble character which commands the respect of every rlass in every time. And we arc inclined to regard the Apostle Paul as in some sense of the word a figure, or likeness, or type of his race-Israel-and the opening of their eyes now shortly due to take place. Amongst the Jews are many who seem to be Israelites indeed, merely (Rom. blinded, as the prophet and the apostle have described. 11:7-12) That nation whose blinding took place in the fifth (1,000 year) day, and which has been blinded throughout the sixth (l,OOO-year day), is to have its eyes opened on the third day. which will be the seventh (1,000 year) day-the Millenniai Day. Israel also has been &houd foda or” drink of a sDiritua1 kind durinp all this time. Israel also is to be a chosen vessel in the gord’s hand as connected with the earthly agencies in bearing the message which shall bless the Gentiles and all the families of the earth. We are near to the time for the opening of Israel’s eyes. When the time shall have fully come, the Lord will send some Ananias whose touch and blessing under divine favor shall bring sight. The name Ananias signifies, “Jah is gracious.”

CHRISTIAN

LIBERTY
MARCH

AND

SELF-RESTRAINT

21.-l Cor. 9:19-27. “Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.“-1 Cor. 9:25. cepted Christ were entirely free from the law of Moses; that Doubtless it was in great measure because of his breadth of IVYI niltcl, as will as-thr result of his deep consecration, to them Moses was dead and they were married to another. even Christ, and were under his jaw;-the law of the spirit and hence- his nearness to the Lord and fellowship in the divine plan, that the Apostle Paul was enabled to grasp the of life in Christ Jesus which made Israelites free from the law of sin and death.-Rom. 7:4, 6. conditions of the New Covenant and the Gospel dispensation more quickly than did the other apostles. Although the Apostle (19-23) But though realizing his liberties in Christ, his Peter tnok as broad a view as others of the original twelve freedom from all bondage, as of holy days, new moons, saband although in addition the Lord gave him the vision to baths, meats, etc. (Col. 2 : 16 ; Rom. 14:5), the Apostle was inliicate that the Gentiles were no longer to be considered unnot anxious to use his liberty except as between the Lord and clean 11y the Jews, and sent him direct-to preach the Gospel to himself, and such of the brethren as could appreciate the (‘ornelins, thr first Gentile convert,. and altbouPrh he witnessed the matter. Those who were weak and bounden by law and gifts of the holy spirit communicated to hii, yet the Apostle ceremonies and human traditions received from the elders, Paul seems to have grasped the whole situation much more found in the Apostle one who did not seek to triumph over comprehensively than did even Peter; so that when Peter was them by boasting of his liberty and their bondage. On the confllsefl on this snl+>ct, and stumbling, Paul was both able and contrary if they were in bondage to the Law he waived for willing to help him to clearer views. (Gal. 2:14) It was the time his own liberties that he might thereby through symPaul who first saw “that the righteousness of the law is fulpathy and patience help them to the same liberty which he filled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit;” enjoyed at heart. And so we find him advising and urging and that amongst thoee who have come under the new order of others. He said: things there is no distinction of Jews and Gentiles, male and ‘You find yourselves free from the law and those restraints female, bond or free, because they are all one in Christ Jesus. which are upon your brethren, the Jews, you now say they are It was Paul who recognized the fact that those who had acno longer bondages to you. You are thus greatly relieved: C21183

hfARCK 1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(75-76)

nevertheless, use not your liberties for an occasion of the flesh. You may know that an idol is nothing, and that meat offered to an idol (the custom amongst Gentiles) is not thereby injured, and you may feel perfectly free to eat that meat.; but if a brother is with you who does not yet realize this freedom and see matters from this loftier standpoint, do not put a barrier between your heart and his by using your liberties, but rather for his sake avoid the use of that liberty that you may have the greater influence with him and bring him ghzEtreciate the still greater liberties which are ours through

a consciousness of sin.-Gal. 4: 10, 11:5 :4; Cal. 2 : 16, 17. With some of those who learn the truth on this subject there is a combative disposition which leads them to wish to display their liberties by doing on the first day of the week that which their feliow Christians regard as imurouer-sinful. Such a combative spirit is a sign tl& the spi& Gf Christ is not dwelling richlv within-that more knowledge has reached the individgal tha6 he has been able to wisely- use. It indicates that such havb need to grow in grace, in love, proportionately as they grow in knowledge. The Apostle’s declaration, in the lesson before us. is an illustration of the right spirit concerning every SUCK ques‘Tlie blessings of the kingdom of God are not merely tion. If our neighbors meet in worshiu on the first dav of these liberties to eat what we please without condemnation, the week, because-they believe it to be ihe command of hod, and to be without restraint from fast days, new moons and our liberty can be just as fully exercised meeting on the same sabbaths ! No, no ; the liberties which we- have as the incipday; not from a sense of obligation, not under law, but in ient kingdom of God are far better than these, though they the full enjoyment of the liberty wherewith Christ makes things are the freedom include these. The more important free. Indeed, we can enjoy the da> very much more when we from sin, the communion and fellowship with the Lord, and realize it as a liberty and privilege rather than as a dutv and the prospect of a glorious inheritance in the future. Rightcommand. Yet there are-trifling liberties which we ihould eousness, peace, joy in the holy spirit, these are the fruits of yield; for instance, our neighbor, thinking that he is under our new relationship to Christ which are to be specially enthe Jewish law, might consider the driving of a tack to be a joyed, and in comparison to which our liberty to eat and not violation of the day of rest. We who know that we are not to eat what we please and to observe such holy days as we under the law but under grace, realize that no siu would be may please are insignificant.‘-Rom. 14 : 17-20. committed in driving a tack; but nevertheless we can well This is the Apostle’s meaning in this lesson. He did not and properly set aside our liberties in that matter and conmean that he dissembled or deceived or pretended to be a form and cooperate in the maintenance of the peace and Jew, etc., but that having and realizing his liberties, he did quiet of the day. Indeed, we realize that the mistake of our not always choose to exercise his liberties in Christ if he found friends is in many respects a blessing and a mercy to us. better opportunities for usefulness by simply neglecting to For if many appreciated the matter as we do, as a liberty claim or use libertv. Principles may never be abandoned for and privilege and not as a law of God, quite probably a any consideration;” but libe<ties anh personal rights may be majority would pay no respect whatever tb the- day, &ml ignored in the interest of others, frequently and to divine very soon it might be as other days. We are very glad, therepleasing; the Apostle was ready to go any length in defense fore, that a day for rest and quiet and study and meditation of principle, and could not be budged an inch (Gal. 2 :5, 11) ; on holy things is set aside by the laws of the land in which but in the sacrifice of his earthly rights and privileges and we live. But even if we saw no reason whatever for observliberties for the sake of Christ and his church, the Apostle ing the day, the fact of its legal secular appointment is a evidently came next to our Lord Jesus, and is a noble examsufficient ground for abstinence from earthlv labors. But ple to all the church, as shown in this lesson. on the c*ox&ary we see the wisdom of having a”day for speclnl An illustration of such a proper ignoring of liberties withfellowship in spiritual things and the day adopted by early out abaudonment of principle -is found ii connection with Christians is eminently proper. The opening day of a new To our understanding Sunday, the first Sundav observance. week symbolizes our ?leu’ rest, nezu hopes and nelo life-all of day o? the week, is in no sense of the woFd the Sabbath day which spring from the resurrection of our Lord. that was commanded to the Jews,-which was the seventh We advise those who are seekinn to walk in the “narrow The Christian is not commanded by the Bible to keep dar. way” to follow the Apostle’s counsel-and example closely, and ani particular day, in any particular manner different from other davs: but bv his covenant with God he is to keep ever-v while realizing themselves free in Christ to make themselves servants unto-all-“doing good unto all men as we have op&I h& &to the Lord. He has no more right to dd wrona portunity, especially to the household of faith.” His Test in Christ under the New ou oue dav than on another. The Apostle was not moved to this abrogation of his own Covenant ‘is uot the physical rest of the Jew under the Law liberties from any selfish motives, but by his love of the gosIt is higher: it is a rest of fazth that brings joy Covenant. pel and his desire to supply to others its blessed healing balm, and refreshment; not only physical, but mental and spiritual. which had come to his own spirit, This rest, is not merely for one day in the week; the true Wherever the spirit of Christ is, this spirit is received; and if developed it will maniChristian is to rest in Christ, and have joy and peace in befest itself sooner or later by this disposition of self-negation Instead, therefore, of having a seventh lieving every day. in the interest of other-especially in spiritual interest and day rest in each week the Christian has seven days of rest in affairs. each week-a rest and a peace which the world can neither (24-27) The Apostle would have us see that while we give nor take away. are granted liberties in Christ, nevertheless the essence of Not by thriue appointment but of their own volition the Christian teaching is to deny ourselves the use of those very early ch&ch began & keep as a day of special gathering toliberties. As slaves of sin we were set free in order that we nether the first dav of the week, as a memorial of our Lord’s might become the voluntary bond-servants of righteousnessResurrection from “the dead, and the new life and new joy serving with self-sacrifice “even unto death.” which began with that day. For a time they continued to The Jews as a house of servants under Moses, were bound as servants observe also the seventh day, until they learned through the by rigorous laws, the meaning and object of which apostles’ instructions that they were dead to the Jewish law were not explained to them. and had become new creatures in Christ under the law of But the house of sons, of which Christ is the Head, is left free from any the spirit of life.- which has but one commandment and that law, except the one-to love God with every power of being an ail comprehensive one-Love. and our neighbor as ourse!f. The maioritv of Christians todav seem to have drifted But this very liberty, which ie granted to ue on the one hand, is the greater trial on the other away in pa& f&m the liberties and appreciations of the New hand. It leaves with us each the responsibility of proving our Covenant and to be attempting to mix the Jewish covenant love to God and to his cause and to his people, and our sympawith the Christian covenant, the Jewish law of ten commandthy for the world, by the extent to which we are willing to ments with the Christian law of one commandment-love. Acabandon our liberties for these-as their servants. cordingly Sunday, the first day of the week, is by many reThe Apostle illustrates this by the Olympic games of his garded as the Sabbath day of the Jews; and they mentally day, prominent amongst which was foot-racing. Racers were attach to it all the requirements of the Jewish law, and yet set free to run, so we as Christians are set free from the law they continually feel a heart-condemnation in respect to it, that we may run our race and win the great prize; but he that as did the Jews, because they rarely or never live up to the complies with certain recognized conditions, and “so runs,” requirements of ‘the Law fo; that -day. The law dimanded shall be crowned an overcomer. that no work of anv kind should be done bv Darents. children, Consecrated Christians have entered the lists, to run the servants or cattle: “and as exemplifying the &or oP that law great race for the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesusthere is a record ‘in the Scriptu>es -that a ma< was stoned to the prize of joint-heirship with him in the kingdom of glory, death because he gathered sticks for a fire on the Sabbath to be established at his second coming. We start on our race day. By reason OH this false conception that the first day is course not aimlessly, not hopelessly, not simply for the sake the Sabbath day or that somehow or other (they know not how of denying ourselves, not to do penance for sins, nor simply or when or where) the authorities and ordinances respecting for _ the sake of developing character; but the Lord has gracthe Jewish Sabbath day were transferred to Sunday, the first iously arranged the matter so that we will have a grand-and day, many are continually under condemnation to conscience[2119J

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WATCH

TOWER

ALLBGHSNY,

Pa.

noble incentive to self-denial. The prize at the end of the race is his “Well done, good and faithful servant;” and to the faithful little flock “the crown of life” and the glory of the kingdom. Therefore we are not running uncertainly, doubtfully, not knowing what the prize will be, for we are instructed by the Lord’s own words. The Apostle points out in this connection that if we hope to be overcomers and approved of the Lord we must be moderate, temperate, self-denying in all things. This he emphasizes in verse twenty-seven. It is not only necessary that our whole being should be consecrated to the Lord at the be--.__-VOL. s VIII ___~-__-ALLEGHENY, PA.,

ginning of the race, but it continues necessary all along the way, that it shall be continually subject to the new mind, the mind of Christ, which is to dwell in us richly and abound. Otherwise, if we allow the old, fallen nature to rise up and hinder the new mind, the mind of Christ in us-if we permit the will of the flesh thus to come into control again, we may count the race as ignominiously terminated and ourselves as “castaways; ” because the mind of the flesh leads to death, but the mind of the new spirit of life in Christ, by which we are begotten through the Word of truth, leads to life everlasting, and through faithfulness to eternal glory. MARCH 15, 1897 No. 6

THE

UNCONDITIONAL
AND THE “OLD” AND “NEW”

OATH-BOUND
UOVENANTS ADDED

COVENANT*
THERETO

‘*‘l’l~ougll it be but a man’s covenant,

yet if it be confirmed,

no man

disannulleth,

or addeth

thereto.“-Gal.

3: 15.

A clear appreciation of the divine covenants is important and ~eluable to the Christian. In the knowledge of these he posscbses the key to the understanding of the entire plan of God.
THE NECESSITY FOR A COVENANT

It was because of man’s fall into sin, and its accompanying de*Fadation, mental, moral and physical, which followed ejectmcnt from Eden, and especially because of the sentence of death pronounced against him, that he had need of the divine arrangements for his recovery and blessing provided in these covenants-original and added. The failure of Adam had cut off himself and his race from divine favor and placed them under divine sentence; and nothing that man could do would restore divine favor. The initiative toward reconciliation must come from God if at all; and the covenants were his statements of his proposition for a reconciliation, and how and with whom and by whom it should be accomplished. God did not make his plan because of Abraham; but merely made known his predetermined purpose to faithful Abraham; and chose his famjly as the one fhr&gh which Messiah would be sent. for the accomnlishment of that plan. The plan itself was, we are told, predetermined-from the foundation of the world. Abraham’s faithfulness merely brought him and his family into relationship to that plan of the ages. To enforce the sentence of death, Adam was at once driven out from Edeu and its grove of life-giving trees into the wilderness of earth, infested with thorns and briers, “accursed” or unfit for the sustenance of life. There he was permitted to prolong his days as best he could, until the sentence which was upon him should accomplish his destruction-dust to dust. From the moment of his rejection and sentence, degeneration set in; affecting all his posterity. The unfavorable conditions of the soil and climate have since had their effect upon the physical man, and incidentally upon his mental and moral st.at.u* ; for since an imperfect body cannot sustain a perfect mind, the elements of decay quickly fastened themselves on the mental powers; and mental and moral impairment are the result. The undesirable conditions of the new surroundings, so different from what had previously been experienced, gradually developed selfishness as the leading characteriytic of his being. Thus did the sentence, “Dying thou shalt die,” surely go into effect along all the lines of his organism. With all the race since, the tendency has been downward; so that in the course of six thousand years man’s physical powers have become so impaired that instead of living nine hundred and thirty years, as did Adam, the average of life is now only about thirty-five vears, despite all the efforts of medical science to lengthen the span of life. And although improved nursing and medical skill and surgery have lately increased the average of life about five years (from thirty to thirty-five years), yet this longer survival of the physically impaired evidently means a general weakening of the race as a whble. Surely ali can see, znd should admit; that everlasting life is abundantlv nroved to be bevond the reach of Adam’s race. Nothing that* any of the condemned can do can perfect himself or his fellows. Hence, as death reigned from Adam to Moses, and from Moses till now, so it must continue to reign over the race unless God shall interpose for the relief of his condemned creatures, and in some manner provide a release from the dealI& sentence. __--Many arc inclined to consider the term “sin” applicable
l

only to murder, theft, and such like heinous crimes; and not ha&ng been guilty of these, they consider themselves good, exemplary people. They fail to see that from God’s standpoint and standard of righteousness anything short of perfection is imperfection, wrong, out of harmony with his original “All unrighteousness [imperfection] is sin,” creation. “sinful.” and the’“wages [result and penalty] of sin :s death.“. . “All his [God’s] work is perfect.” It was It ia written, so in Adam’s case and with the angels. Whatever imperfection-mental, physical or moral-there may be, is therefore, directly or indirectly, the result of disobedience to divine arrangement and command. Imperfection, therefore, is an evidence of disobedience to God and the laws which he ordained for the well-being of his creatures;-an evidence that sin lieth at the door. But although God “could by no means clear the guilty,” he nevertheless sympathized with his fallen creatures, and made provision for their uplifting,-from degradation back to the plane of perfection, where he can fellowship and bless them as at first. In order to accomplish this gracious plan. God “gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him [obediently] should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3: 16) Thus the man Christ Jesus became the mediator between God and man. In his dealings with mankind God is manifesting to all his creatures, angels as well as men, the various attributes of his character-iustice, wisdom, love and Dower. In his condemnation of Adam’s sin, God brought forcibly to the notice of all the attribute of iustice. the basic nrincinle of his character: as it is written, zr Justice and judgment ire the foundation of his throne.” (Psa. 89 : 15 ; 97 :2) This feature of his character (w&z., justice) God continued to make prominently manifest for more than four thousand years; until Christ came and suffered and died, the just tor the unjust, by which act the beautiful, divine quality, love, was made manifest; as it is written, ‘?n this was manifested the love of God toward us. because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we mieht live throueh him. Herein is love not that we loved God, Vbut that he l&ed us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:9, 10) “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.“-Ram. 5:8. Until then the world knew nothing of God’s love, practically. There it was demonstrated. He had indeed made some gracious promises to the seed of Abraham. but as vet they were unfuifllled, while all others of mankind were wi”thout God and without hope.-Eph. 2~12.
THE UNCONDITIONAL OATHBOTJND OOVENANT

[See

June

15,

1919,

tssue,

crltlcal

cxaminatum

Covenant

ar~rcles

It was in view of his desire and intention to bless the world of sinners, Adam’s race, that God, as indicating that intention and the lines or conditions to be followed. made the great Abrahamic Covenant, and later its two dependents - (1) The Law Covenant. (2) The New Covenant. The original covenant or promise ‘includes all that its added or dependent covenants i;lclude in the way of blessing; while the latter constitute but proper and reasonable limitations and regulations, by which the blessings promised may be made everlasting blessings to all the worthy. Though little is said of Abraham prior to God’s making the covenant with him, we may suppose that he was a man of honesty of heart, of good intentions, and one who had already manifested a strong faith in God. When Abraham was living in the land of the Chaldeans, God called him out from his relatives and friends, and directed him to go into the land of Canaan, where he would make of him a great nation; promis] ing, further, that in his seed all the families of the earth 1.21203

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perfect man could fulfil; for a very large class, Pharisees and should ultimately be blessed. This covenant was a definite others, claimed that they kept it inviolate-“trusted in themdeclaration of God’s benevolent intentions toward humanity in selves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke general, and that it had pleased him to select Abraham’s pas18:9), who made no such claim. But our Lord’s definition of terity as the line through which to communicate the great the Law showed that anger with a brother may contain the and much needed blessing. The only condition to the covenant snirit of murder and be a violation of the command. “Thou was obedience in going a stranger into a strange land. Abrashalt not kill;” ham’s obedience manifested his faith: and his continuance and that the command, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” may be broken in the secret thought of the in Canaan marked the continuance of his faith (see Heb. heart. And, summing up the whole Law, as meaning supreme 11:15) ; and this faithful obedience was the only condition love for God (more than for self) in every word, thought and imposed or connected with this great covenant. If Abraham act, and love for our neighbor as for one’s self, .his teachings would exercise obedient faith, God would do all therein brought conviction to all honest Jews who heard him. that promised through kis seed. If Abraham had failed in faith none-of them ever had kept or ever could hope to keep the and obedience, the same good things would in due time fulfil conditions of that Law Covenant perfectly. Such saw that the divine purpose, but through another man’s seed. they could no longer hope for eternal life through their Abraham no doubt wondered at times how God intended to fulfil his covenant. seeing that the Canaanites continued to Covenant, and said, like Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.” Such honest Jews live in the land, while he w”as never more than a sojourner in realized what the Apostle Paul so graphically describes in it. God’s promise concerning his seed seemed also to fail; and after many years, when Isaac was born, he proved to be Romans 7, that their Law Covenant was not able to deliver them from death because of their inherited imperfections, the only a type or foreshadow of the true “Seed” through whom the promise of great prominence and world-wide influence and “dead body,” sin-impaired, which hindered the obedience they would gladly have rendered to God’s just, wise and good law. blessing would be fulfilled. But by these the Gospel of Christ was then seen to be a GodFour hundred and thirty years after making this covenant with Abraham, God manifested another feature of his plan. send; and the Jew whose heart was in proper condition, catchWhen brimrina Abraham’s nosteritv out of E,mtian slavery ing sight of the mercy of God offered in Christ, exclaimed, as to establish- thuem in the promised [and of Canaan, he broug~t represented by the Apostle--“1 thank God [for deliverance and life1 through Jesus Christ our Lord: for what the Law them to Mount Sinai, and there entered into an additional [Covenant]“could not do [for us Jews],‘in that it was powercovenant with them, known as,less because of [our fallen] flesh, God accomplished [in THE LAW COVENANT, ADDED another way; viz.,] by sending his own Son in the likeness of God wrote his law in ten commandments upon two tables the flesh condemned for sin and as a sin-offering for sinof stone, as representing his requirements, and appointed condemned flesh; that [under the mercy of the New-Covenant] Moses the mediator between himself and the people of Israel, the righteousness of the divine law might be reckoned as fulto ratify the covenant and in his name to promise the people filled in us, who [however imnerfectlvl, walk not after the flesh, escape from death and from every evil and blight, upon condibut after the spirit [of the divine law.]-Rom. 7:25; 8:3, 4. tion of their living up to the requirements of that law; as it i)ur Lord Jesus could and did fulfil the demands of the is written, “The man that doeth them shall live in them.“Law Covenant: he proved his supreme love for the Father bv Gal. 3:12; Lev. 18:5; 26:3-11, 14-44. his obedience to the divine arrangement “unto death, even the Israel, hopeful that the long deferred blessing of the death of the cross.” Thus he demonstrated that he was the original promise was now to be fulfilled, readily assented to Seed of promise. and became sole ticeir to all of the nrovisions the terms of this Law Covenant addition, and said, “All that of the Abrahamic Covenant, promised to Abraham’s seed. the Lord hath spoken we will do” (Ex. 19:s) ; and no. doubt Hence in him onlv shall all the families of earth be blessed. they honestlv intended full obedience and considered it posThus our Lord< Jesus, having fulfilled the conditions of the sible. Moses, fulfilling his part, ratified the covenant on behalf added Law Covenant (thus p&ing himself the “Seed” and of God and the people, by sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice heir of the Abrahamic Covenant). made an end to thb Law on the people and on the tables of the law, saying, This is Covenant to every Jew who believed, nailing it to his cross the blood of the covenant which God hath enjoined unto you,(Rom. 10:4 ; Col. 2 : 14)) and was ready to begin the work or bv which you and God are joined in covenant. of blessing. This covenant was unlike the original Abrahamic Covenant, THE NEW OOVENANT, ADDED which required no mediator, because it was unconditional on The Law Covenant did indicate the perfect one, the “Seed,” Abraham’s part except as to obedient faith. When Abraham the true heir; but it was God’s purpose, additionally, to select entered Canaan, the terms on his part were complete, and “brethren” of Christ to be his “ioint-heirs” in carrving out God at once announced the Covenant and confirmed it with his the original, the Abrahamic Covehant of general ble&Lgs to own oath, thus assuring Abraham, and all who are similarly full of faith in God, that all of its provisions will surely be the world; and, as we have just seen, the Law Covenant could requirements being too fulfilled regardless of human co-operation. Abraham’s seed avail nothing in this selection-its severe for any except perfect beings, and our race being all &all bless all the families of the earth. imperfect. The Law Covenant, whatever its object, the Apostle assures On the other hand, to bless the world with a knowledge of us, could not (and hence it did not) make the original or God and the lengths and breadths and heights and depths of Abrahamic Covenant useless, nor could it in any manner or his wisdom and-love and power, and yet- to have made ~to degree impair its gracious promise; for it was complete in for the race. for iustification to life everlastine. itself, and God had confirmed it most absolutely.-Gal. 3:8, 17. vrovision -would have been but a tempkzry blessing; for after seeing What, then, could be God’s object in making the Law and tasting they would have been obliged to die under their Covenant with Israel, and (so far as they were concerned) original just sentence. adding it to the Abrahamic Covenant P The Apostle answers It was expedient, therefore, and as an addition to the our query, saying, “It [the Law Covenant] was added because blessing of the Abrahamic Covenant, that divine mercy added of transgression [sin], till the promised seed should come.” the New Covenant, that through it the original blessings may (Gal. 3: 19) The promised seed of Abraham, which God had become everlasting-to all who conform to the terms of the in mind when he made the covenant with Abraham, was Christ New Covenant. The “New” Covenant addition is to indicate our Lord (and incidentally the church which is his body, his the way by which convicted sinners may return to divine bride, whose blemishes he covers). And by giving Israel the favor, obtaining mercy and finding grace to help in the merit Law Covenant God purposed( 1) to show them their own of its Mediator, Christ-in whom their holy efforts and intensinfulness and unworthiness to be the “seed” which could and tions can be accepted as perfect, although actually imperfect. (2 j The Law addition to the Abrashould bless all mankind. The “Law” addition was to the Jew only; the “New” addition hamic Covenant insured that the “promised seed” would be a is for “all the families of the earth;” for whoever of Adam’s perfect man, able to keep all the requirements of the Law race may choose to accept its provisions. Covenant perfectly, as our Lord Jesus alone did or could do. (3) If the Israelites learned the lesson of their own inability Since all men are sinners and consequently incompetent to &J ‘fulfil the requirements of the Law Covenant, it would premake a covenant of full obedience to all the requirements of pare them to expect Messiah’s birth out of the usual order, to the perfect, divine law (as was proved to be the case with insure his freedom from Adamic condemnation and weakness. Israel), the New Covenant must needs have a mediator, as did the Law Covenant. Moreover, it required a better, more Thus the Abrahamic Covenant and its confirmations assured canable mediator than Moses. or else it could be no more effithat the “seed” must be of Abraham’s descendants, while the ca:ious to mankind in general than was the Law Covenant to Law addition just as surely proved that he would be “holy, Israel. harmless. undefiled and separate from sinners.” It would appear that-Israel never fully appreciated the The work or office of Moses as a mediator was to effect reconciliation (harmony) between God and Israel-the two requirements of their Law Covenant, which no one but a [21213

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parties to the Covenant, both of whom desired reconciliation. Slmilarlv. the work of our Lord Jesus. as the mediator of the iiew Co;enant, is to bring into harmcmy with God so many of Adam’s race as may wish peace with God upon his terms; &., faith and obedience to righteousness. Question:-What did our Lord Jesus do as a mediator for all mankind that Moses could not do, and did not do, for Israel? This: ( 1 ) he. being holv. harmless and sevarate from sinners. fulfilled the requir;;‘men& of the Law in h’is own person ; and (2) he gave hlmnelf (“the man Christ Jesus” and the seed of an unhorn human race in his loins) as a ransomprice or corresponding purchase-price for adam and his race (which was an unborn race in Aclam’s loins at the time of his trial and failure and death-sentence). Because this was done in obrclieuc*e to the clivinca will and plan, our Lord Jesus was perfected a5 a “new (*reature” partaker of the divine nature, in his re<urrection from cl(~ath, and is now highly exalted “far abo\-c” men, angels, princlpnllties and powers, in heavenly glory :-hharer of the hea\ enly Father’s throne. By means of his sacrifice as “the man Christ Jesus,” a ran<om-pric*e fog the first man, Adam. he, as we have just heen, recleemcd (purchasrcl) Sdam’s race from the divine sentmrc-death, estinction. Not that the race was set free by his sacrifice, but that the divine law (justice) having been met. the race is delivered orcr to him who “bought” it with hi? owu prerious l~lood, that he may release from death and brin: to everlasting life the willing and obedient.-John 3:36. Thnq. 1,~ purchase, by the full satisfaction of the claims of justice> agslnit Adam. the new Mediator has a great advantage ovc’r Aroses, and is thus a “better mediator,” competent to do all tlmt can br done to reconcile, or make at-one, God and his sinful. fallen creatures. 4s the sentence of death hroiiKht e\(.lii+icm from the grove of life-sustainin,n trees in Eden (Gen. 3:22-24)) and death as the result, so now by re:lkon of having paid man’s ransom-prire, the great Mediator iq permittetl to feecl his people with “the bread of life which came clown from heaven,” and thus to revivify them. But thr Ptlccli:ltor cnn do nothing for the redeemed except in harmonv wit11 the spirit of the divine law, nor don he nthcrn-iie tlcbuii-cs. ITt~ar thp SOW Co\-pnant, sraled and ratified 1)~ the I\lcc!i;~tor’~ l~loncl. and nllder which alone the blessings are nl)tninnMe. clc1mnnds:(1 ) Fnzll/ in God, acknowleclrrement and repentance of all sin<. n full rrc*n~nition of the llrcliator, and of the fact that tlllz tlllb (~i11y co\ (,iiant of g~‘occ, nierc’y. pcac’e, W:*S srnlcd :ind rntificscl 1)~ “the precious 1~100~1of Christ”-his sacrificial death. from sin (2) Tt requires also obedience nnd ~fornlntion to tlrcb cl\trnt of the sinner’s ability, and a full desire of heart :11rt1csrort of life to live righteously, soberly and godlya cle~irc~ to know nncl to clo the hclarenlv Fathei’s will, under the ~uitlanc+ and help of the JTediator.&Tames 1 :25.

COVENANT

From this standpoint we can see that the onlv steps thus far taken in the fuiiilment of the original and c~mpr~henslve statement of the divine nlan. the “Covenant with Abraham” (which, as the Apostle d&lar&, was an advance declaration of the whole GospeZ-the good tidings in an epitomized formGal. 3:8), are:(1) The manifestation of God’s only begotten Son as “the man Christ Jesus,” and his approval as perfect under the Law. (2) By the same act of obedience and faithfulness he “bought” Adarn and his race; and by meeting the terms of their sentence, according to the divine nlan. he has made it possible for God to be”just and yet be- the justifier of him that belieleth in Jesus; nnd made it possible for himself, as the divinely proposed and foreordained “Seed of Abraham,” to make the blessing upon the willing and obedient an everlasttng blessing. (3) According to the original divine plan a multitudinous “seed” was conteGplated from the beginning (Gal. 3 : 29 ; Eph. 1:4)-&e fullness, power and authority of which should always reside in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. The next- step in the divine plan has been the selection from among men of this special class,-called the church of Christ -of which Jesus is the Lord and Head (Eph. 1:22, 23) ; called the bride, the Lamb’s wife and joint-heir (Rev. 19 :i) ; called also “members of his body,” controlled by him as the Head (1 Cor. 12:2i) ; called also his “brethren” (Heb. 2:ll) : called also the “royal.priesthood,” under him as the High Priest or Chief Priest, and sharers of his elorv. honor and immortalitv. and joint-heirs in his kingdom a;d ix his inheritance in & Abrahamic Covenant as the “seed” to whom belongs the promise.-See Rev. 20:4; Gal. 3 :29. This selection of the church is along lines of severe testing; for God has predcstznatcd that aii who will constitute members of the multitudinous seed must “be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among muny brethren.” (Rom. 8:27) And since none are “called” to this high honor except the “lustified,” and nnne iu&fied except &rough faith, under the berms oi the Il’ew Cov&ant, it follows that, since the vast majority thus far are blincled by the prince of this world so that thev cannot believe (2 Cor. 4:4); and since even after believing” and being called many fail to make thei “callinr and election szbre:” therefore this elect church, when comp&ed and perfected ‘and glorified at the end of the “narrow way” which few find (Biatt. i: l*), will be a “little flock.“-containinz “not manv preat.” rich or wise, according to the estimate of &a world.2l” Car: 1: 26-2s; Jas. 2:5. (4) When the elect number has been selected, and been glorified with their Head, Christ Jesus, as associates and joint-heirs in his Millennial kingdom-then, and not till then, will the “seed of Abraham,” contemplated in the divine WHO WILL BENEFIT BY THE NEW COVENANT? Covenant and oath to Abraham, have fillly come. And then, pi ivileces and blessin,as of the NeTI- immediately, Tllll. tllr riphtr. tile way beinq dll prepared, the hlclssin:. of all Cnrennnt. while open- to all. as required by the original mankind (eventually “all that are in the graves”) shall begin. Co\-cbnant. n ill l,r of e~.erZnsti~la benefit onlv to the willtna and All shall be blessed with the knowledge-and opportunitf of ohefjlcnf-sup11 as &sire and seek God anh his [st,and&h of] the rrracious nrovisions of the New Covenant. and all who riyhtcboucnes5 ; and thcv alone will pain e\-erlasting life under hea&ly accepi its provisions shall have life ‘and joy ererthis C’nvclnant. either in this or in the romine ace. lasting. Siwr the trial for crerlastin,rr life under the NW- Covenant (5) Incidentally, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the holy prophets, faithful before the New Covenant, will receive a ha< as it< primary qllalificatian.faith, it is evident that only a special blessing and be associated as earthly or human repreYWY cmall l>ronortion of thr world’s inhabitants have vet I,cn’c~fitc~tlII\ it. * -4s the Apoqtlp says,-“How sentatives of the spiritual kingdom of God in blessing the shall the,v beliive on llim of whom thcv ha\-r not heard? and how shall they world; but their p&t and serv&e will be under the dir&ion of the church. God having nrovided some better thina for US. hear n 11hnut a preacbher? and how shall they prearh except tllc,y 1~ hcavlt‘#” (Rnm. 10.11) thnt they without US gh&l not be made perfeGt:-Heb: But anv doubt tli:lt the ble4s11:40; Luke 16:16. incc of thic Sew Covenant are to br ‘extended ultimatelv to ererr mcn?l)rr of Adam’s rare, bv brinrinr each one to’this (6) Incidentally, also, another class, “a great multitude whose number no man lcnows” (Rev. 7:9, 13-15) will be denrr&i:lrp knnwlcdgr. is not onlv’ srt n’t rhst bv the Apostle Pnlll'c veloped; but not being “overcomers,” having failed to “make declnrntinn thnt it is thef will of God ‘that all shall cowv to the k~~ololc(lnc of the truth. and that it shall be their calling and election sure”-althoueh thev will be Drivitestificcl to all “ill c7lte tin?>” (1 Tim. 2 :4-(i), but it is guaranleged to LLs&ve”-will constitute no pa&of th; elect “se<d” in tretl 1~ thr oath 1~ which God attested the original covenant whom will reside the blessing-power of royalty and priestwith Abraham. saving, “In thv seed shall all-&e families of hood. the earth 1~ l,less&l.“-Gal. 3:ili, 29. (7) Incidentally, also, the preaching of the Gospel in The ~holc snhjcrt brromes transparent when we see that connection with the “calling” of the “Seed” has had a civilizthe A b~knmic Cownnnt (which needed no mediator because ing influence throuehout the world. It has scattered some of it waq God’s lrnrondltiollnl promise. confirmed by his oath) is tci “gross darknesg by which Satan and sin have enshrouded the full, broad statement of the divine plan, and that as the But still it is dark:-still “cross the world of mankind. Law Covenant was added (to illustrate the inabilitv of sinners darkness covers the people ;” still the god of this world b%nds to help themselves and) to manifest Christ Jesus “as the Seed the minds of them that believe not; still “the whole creation of Promise. so the New Covenant is a,dded (to the Ahrahamic groaneth and travaileth in pain together,” waiting for the Covenant) ’ also.-not morning which shall accompany the shinto hinder the “biessina”,I of evervY glorious Millennial rreature, but to make that “blessing” of knowledge and the &g forth of the seed of Ab;aham, the sons of Gbd & glory, as Millennia1 kingdom opportunities more effective,-even unto the “Sun of Righteousness “with healing [restitution] in his ererlaiting life-to those approved under it. beams.-Isa. 60:2; Rom. 8:22, 19; Mal. 4~2; Acts 3:19-21. [ 21221

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work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.“-Phil. 2: 12, 13. to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall The thoughtful reader of the Scriptures must often be your heavenly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask impressed with that intensity of zeal and earnest striving him”-Luke 11.11-13 urged upon all the followers of Christ who would so run as to God bestows ‘this grace upon all that diligently seek it of obtain the prize of our high calling which is of God in Christ him, through our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, our Head, Jesus. For instance, we read:our Leader and Teacher. Therefore, says Paul, “I can do all “Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many I say unto things through Christ, who strengtheneth me;” and again, you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able, when once “The love of Christ constraineth me.‘, (2 Cor. 5: 14) Those the Master of the house is risen up and has shut to the door;” who have the Spirit of Christ, which is also the Spirit of “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto God, the holy Spirit, are his disciples under his teaching and life. and few there be that find it ;” “Whosoever he be of you traming. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is that forsaketh not all that he bath, he cannot be my disciple;” none of his.,, Thus it is, that God works in us through Christ “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easrly to will and to do his good pleasure, while in his strength we beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil. before us, looking unto Jesus; ” “Fight the good fight of faith, 2 :12) And he also further works in us to this end by all the lav hold on eternal life:” ‘Watch unto nraver:” and, then, incentives of his exceeding great and precious promises, his “Be sober, and hope to the end for the &aie that shall be providences, his discipline, training and teaching and also by brought unto you -at the appearing of J&us Christ.” And the sweets of that fellowship with himself, with Christ and seeing that ve look for such Peter again adds. “Beloved. with his saints, which is our present and daily privilege. things, be diligent, that ye ‘may b’? found”of him in peace, It is plain, therefore, that as Christians we have a life without spot and blameless.” . . . “Seeing that all these work before us. It is not enough that we covenant with God [present] things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, and that we find ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.“ourselves accepted in the Beloved: that is only the beginning Luke 13:24; Matt. 7: 13, 14; Luke 14:33; Heb. 12: 1; 1 Tim. of *this higher life. Then begins the work of overcoming, of 6:12; 1 Pet. 4:7; 1:13; 2 Pet. 3:14, 11. dying to self and to the world. And who ever found it easy How different all this appears from that easy-going Christo die? tianity which seems but a ;ery little removed from the spirit But now, look away from the struggle of this death to of the world. and which is so common that the zeal which the old nature, and consider the new nature that at the same strives and runs and fights and watches with sober vigilance instant is developing its powers. Every victory gained in the that the sacrifice of self is kept upon the altar is generally crucifying of the flesh gives the new nature more room to reaarded as extreme. ueculiar. fanatical and foolish. Neverthedevelop and to expand its powers; and as the spirit of the le& in the face of ihis latent opposition, as well as of all world and the will of the flesh recede, we find ourselves more open opposition, the course of the‘overcomer is right onward. and more in the company and fellowship of our Lord. True, It is a course of self-denial and cross-bearing, even unto the it is, on the one hand, the fellowship of his sufferings, but on end. It is a dying daily to the spirit, hopes, aims and ambithe other, it is the fellowship also of his joys. We enter with tions of the world which control other men and women, so that him into the joy of knowing and doing our Father’s will in the end of our course we mav be of that hapnv “little Like him, we have meat to eat that others know not of * and flock’, of “overcomers, of whom it is written, 6rl%ked are we sit together with him in the hcavenlv places of commknion the dead that die in the Lord.“-Rev. 14: 13. an! fellowship. The deep things of God are ours, the precious These thoughts are stronplv suerrestive of what it is to be thmgs symbolized by the gold within the tvpical Tabernacle,It is, as the Ap&le Paul expresses it, to an overcomer.“the exceeding great and precious promises’, and a lively apprebecome dead with Christ ;- “Now if we be dead with Christ, we ciation of them, the deeper experiences of divine grace the believe that we shall also live with him;” “If so be that we abiding presence of the Father and the Son realized thk felsuffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” lowship with the Father and with the Son, and the communion (Ram. 6:s : 8: 17) If we would reach that noint of deadness of saints. to the world which will in the end constituie us overcomers, These are some of the present rewards of dying daily to But herein is a deeper significance than we must die daily. the world and becoming correspondingly alive toward ‘God may be apparent at first glance. To die daily, to deny self and The new nature, daily becoming more and more alive toward humbly take up and patiently bear the daily cross, to mortify God, has an increasing sense of the value of these spiritual the deeds of the body (i. e., to put to death the former disblessings ; and with such appreciation comes a more earnest It means more than positions, etc.), means a great deal. ardent longing after more and more of the fellowship and merely the putting away of sin. As human beings we have favor of God, and more intense longings after holiness. no right to sin, and must renounce it when we first come to The language of every such heart is beautifully expressed by the Christ, as only such can be accepted of him. But as new Psalmist ‘-“As the hart pant&h after the water brooks so creatures, partakers of tha divine nature, through a subsepanteth my soul after thee, 0 God. My soul thirsteth’ for quent more intelligent re-dedication of all our ransomed God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before powers to the service of God alone, and a consequent begetGod?“-Psa. 42:1, 2. ting of the holy Spirit to a new divine nature, our business This hungering and thirsting after righteousness, is to die daily to the ordinary and otherwise legitimate ambithis reaching out after God, this patient, loving submission to tions, hones and aims of the nresent life. Or. as Paul all the heavenly influences of divine grace through whatsoever expresses -it:-“ Be not conformed to this world, ‘but be ye channels they may flow to us; these are all parts of the transtransformed, that ye may prove what is that good and formrng work that will, in the end, make us overcomers. To acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2) ; that is, we resist continually those influences which would conform us to are to submit our minds, not to the earthly, but to the this world is to die dailv to the world, to overcome the heavenly influences which will dictate to us in every matter world, and to refuse to bk conformed to this world * while great and small. to cultivate the hither suiritual a&rations is to be, transThe heavenly influences draw a distinct line of demarkaformed, changed, to” be d&loped -ai-new creatures bewotten tion between things earthly and things heavenly. Upon the to the divine nature. one side are the lust of the flesh. the lust of the eves. and This process of dying daily to the things that belong to this world and of being transformed bv the the pride of life, which are of the world (1 John” 2il6) ; renewing of the mind to the divine nature and likeness is the while on the other side is that “simplicity and godly sinChristian’s most important life work; and if it be diligently cerity” whose delight is in the beauty of holiness, and whose pursued we shall at last be accounted worthy to be of the adornment is a meek and quiet spirit, submissive to discipline, spiritual seed. which, in the resurrection, shall receive its own atient in tribulation, always abounding in the work of the body, like unto Christ’s glorious bodv. ( 1 Cor. 15: only in his manifest favor.-2 Cor. 1: 12. appropriate E ord and delighting But who is sufficient for these things? Who can walk so 38, 48. 49) But this selfward work does not end with self. for it includes a glowing zeal for God which, by example and contrary to the course of this present world? Surely none It is precept and diligent service, ever strives to push forward the who have any considerable measure of the world’s spirit. great work of the Lord. only as we become filled with the Spirit of God that we can In this view of the matter it is clear that this great work do these things. Our sufficiency is not of ourselves; but “our before us requires patient, watchful diligence, spiritual ambisuffk~iency is of God.” “It is God that wnrketh in vou. both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2: 13) ” He it is tion and effort, fervency of spirit and persevering energv and who, for the asking, will so fill us with his Spirit that we can faith in God. Only those who have and who cultivate’these go forth from victory unto victory.-“If ye . . . . know how qualities can ever hope to be “overcomers’‘-“dead with Christ.”
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It was such considerations that prompted those earnest exhortations of the Lord and the apostles to faithfulness and diligence in our warfare against the world, the 5esh and the devil. We are reminded, too, that in our warfare we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with the invisible Powers of darkness strongly intrenched both in the world &id in the downward tendencies of our fallen flesh: besides which there are innumerable arts and wiles of the adversary, against which we must maintain a vigilant watch. We cannot afford, therefore, to slacken our diligence, or to grow negligent in availing ourselves of any of the means of grace, or to waste the precious time granted to us for this overcoming work in idly dreaming of the crown, while we fail to bear the cross. Let us be up and doing, for “the time is short,” the work is great, the way is narrow, the obstacles are many, the foes and their devices increase: let us be sober, let us be vidlant. But let us not forget that the work is the Lord’s, in the sense that his strength&pplied to us is vouchsafed to accomplish it, and that he who has begun the good work in us ix able to complete it; and he will do so, if we

him; i. e., if we follow his leading, doing his will. To do this requires faith: “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith.” A wavering faith will hold on, with one hand at least, to the things of this world, “something tangible,” being afraid to let go and trust in tie things unseen and to live for them alone But our Lord encouragingly says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Having overcome, he has long since (John 16 :33) entered into his glory; and it is the Father’s good pleasure to permit those to share that glory with him who, when tried and proved, as he was proved, under the discipline of fiery trial, shall not be found wanting in faithfulness and zeal for God. Let us, then, as many as would-be counted worthy to live and reign with Christ, take heed, not to the examples of the multitudes of those who name the name of Christ, but, first of all, to the perfect pattern, Christ Jesus, and secondly to those most faithful ones who follow in his footsteps of self-denial and of zeal for the cause of God. M. F. RIBSELL.

INTERESTING

QUESTIONS

ANSWERED

Queathola.-How do the dews reckon the date for the Passover ? Answer.-Their first month Nisan (also called Abib) was reckoned as beginning with the first new moon after the Spring equinox, in Palestine,-not quite the same as here. And if the new moon preceded the equinox a day it did not matter: the important point was that the moon should be at her full on the 14th of the month, the day for the killing of the Passover lamb. The importance of the moon’s being at her full was that the moon svmbolized the Law Covenant as the sun svmbolizee the Gospel “or New Covenant (Rev. 12 : 1) and the obering of our Lord to Israel as their King, the day before he was crucified, renresented the fu7,Z of their blessing: from his rejection; then, they as a nation began to wane.“
THIRTEEN QUESTIONS ON THE ANGLO-ISRAEL THEORY

One who read the treatise on this subject in our issue of *Jan. 15, asks several questions. which we answer in order belnw : Question.-( 1) If the “ten tribes” do not exist as a nation, but returned to Palestine with the Jews under Cvrus. how do ” you account for the failure of Amos 9:15? Answer .-W7e did not say that the ten tribes returned to Palestine with the .Jewti under Cvrus. We said that during that long captivity the division a<d jealousy disappeared; and that then. and ever since. the names Jews and Israelites no longer distinauishccl as between descendants of the two and the-ten tribe;, but were used indiscriminately in referring to We proved this by many New Testament the same people. references; and referred to the fact that no Jew today will pretend to say from which tribe he descended. Although the tiibnl lincnec of but few of the earlv believers is liven. these &ow that The Jews were mixed trrballv;-Paul \vas ‘of the tribe of Benjamin, Barnabas of the tribeof Levi, and Anna, the sronhetess. of the tribe of Asher. We moved that onlv a few ‘of ‘all of’ the tribes returned to Pal&tine when Cy>us gave the permit to all under the name (not of Judah but) of Israel. We moved from t,be Scrinturea that such of all the tribes (a ren&ant) as accented ClGist became spiritual Israel, that many (“all Israel”) were blinded and will-not have their CVP. onrned until the full number to comnlete the bride of Chri<t’ has been taken from the Gentiles: (Rom. 11:25-33) \\‘e bhowcd that all of that nation who abandoned the promises ant1 c.ircum&inn L’CH& in every sense of the word to be of c&ithcr natural I+rnel or spiritual Israel. \Vc arc not obliged to account for the failure of Amos !I: 1.7, for it has not failed. It is not yet fulfilled in the return of the “.Jewr,” ‘-all Israel” to Palestine. This Scripture was etitlently in the mind of the Apostle James, when, :rftcr hraring Peter’s explanation of God’s sending him to prca~h 1he Gospel to the Gentiles, he snid:“Slmcnn bath d~~larctl how God at the firht did [or made a beg$nning to1 \iGt thr, Cirntiles, to take out of lhern fz .\utl to tlii< C1gwc tlw wni;1$ of thr proplr for If IS ,111 ,,,f’. After (ltis I will return. and will buihl again the nrnnhets. thr Lh&naclc of ‘l);t\ id.“--.I& 15: 14-l 6. The throne of David wan over all the tribes and here represents the t hronc of the greater David--the neZor.r,rl #on of C+od-about to be established after this. Q~rstzon (2) .-Zechariah. who’prophcsietl shout 260 B. C.. rr(/cr the retnrn of the .Trws from Raby1nn. mentinns the

return of Joseph as yet future. Why, if Joseph had already returned ? Answer.-Your question indicates great prejudice and blindness which you must get rid of if you would see the truth. You say, “the return of the Jews from Babylon,” but Ezra (3: 1; 7:13; 9:l) says that it was Israel that Cyrus set free, and Israel that came to Palestine with him. And the next company under Nehemiah, ninety years after (and after Zechariah’s prophecy), knew no division in ZsraeZ.-See Nell. 9. 1, 2; 11:3, 4, 20. Turn now to Zechariah’s prophecy. Note that the theme beginning chap. 9 :9 and concluding chap. 10:4 relates to and was fulfilled at our Lord’s first advent; as also the 11th chapter. (See particulars in MILLEXNIAL DAWN, VOL. III., chap. 8) 10:5-12, to which you refer, evidentlv applies to the second advent of our Lord. Notice that while Judah, Joseph and Ephraim are mentioned (See 9: 13 : 10: 6, 7) they are not, as formerly, mentioned as antagonistic or even rival kingdoms. but aa unitedly sharing divine favor;-of the same kind and at the surne time. The Lord does not mention Israel as one nation and Judah as another; but mentioning the chief tribe of each part of the once divided nation, he so to speak Cla8pS their hands and assures them that the con&lo favor will be to both and to all the tribes of the covenantetl”seed. Question (3) .-At what time in the forgotten history of the race did the house of Joseph enjoy the birthright blessings of Gen. 48: 19 9 Answer.-The birthright. with its “double portion” of the promised land (Deut. 21: 15-17). went to Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph; and the blessing, “let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth [margin, kmcZ1, made the double portion almost a necessity. Nevertheless, notice carefully that the ruling power went to Judah. -See Gen. 49 :8-12. You possibly refer specially to Jacob’s declaration, Ephraim %hall become a multitude of nations.” The marginal reading corrects this to read “fulness of nations.” But the fdness of what nations? We answer. Ephraim became the fulness of multitude to the tribes, or nations, or peoples* of Israel. Look in your “Teacher’s Bible” at a map showing Canaan as divided among the tribes, and note the goodly portions given to the children of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) on the west of Jordan; and then note how the “branches went over the wall” or river; see the large tract east of Jordan. In all t,hey had about one-half of Canaan. These large appropriations of the best of the land were because these tribes were multitudinous amongst the tribes or nations of Israel. The map shows Manasseh more numerous than Ephraim at the beginning: but soon, as Jacob had prophesied in this blessing. Ephraim became the greater, so that when the federation of tribes split and formed rival kingdoms the influence of Ephraim’s multitudes among the nations or tribes was so great that the side which he espoused took the name Israel, and sometimes becanae of his numbers and inflnence all were called Ephraim. Now turn to Gen. 49 and compare the blessings upon Judah in vs. 8-12 with those upon Joseph (including Ephraim and Manasseh) in VRS. 22-26. Both blessings are great, but that of Judah is bv far the greater.
l

The statement, “The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him. and hated him: but his bow abode in strength. and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hand; of the mighty God of Jacob, by the name oft the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel: even bv the God of thv father. who shall help thee,” is nbt a uro&ise for the futu”re but a recounting of *Josepl& past experiences at the hands of his brethren. His blessings, as enumerated, are multitudea of children and estate. If gny think the prosperity of Joseph’s children among the tribes does not fulfil all this, let them recognize the fact that Enhraim and Manasseh constituted a maioritv of the dispersid Israelites now commonly called “Je&” after the name of their great capital city, Jerusalem. Surely, the Jews are a fulness amongst all nations, and prosperous as no other people. The-v are. as uredicted. lenders to many nations (Deut. &:12), and- in a peculiar manner are push&g or goring all neonles to the ends of the earth. (See Deut. 33: 17. Revised verkion) So much so that every n&on is seeking tb get rid of them.-“ These are the ten thousands of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh.” Question (4 ) .-Must not Israel exist as a nation before the fulfilment of Jer. 3:18? Answer.-No; neither will Judah exist as a nation at that time. This verse merely tells of the gathering of Israel and Judah for the purpose of re-establishing them in their own land. This prophecy corresponds to that of Isaiah 11:12-l& The-v walk “with” each other and “come toaether out of the land of the North [where they have been t&ether, all recognized as Jews] unto the land that I have given .for an inheritance unto your fathers.” Those who think erroneously that the Jews are only two of the tribes, and that the peoples of Great Britain and the United States and the British Colonies are parts of the- ten tribes, would have all these peoples-over one hundred millions-go with the Jews to the little corner of the earth called Palestine. Do you ask, Whv are Judah and Israel mentioned separately by the-prophets if ihey are to be one people, dwelling iogeth& as Jews, at the time of the fulfilment of the prophecy? We answer: Because these DroDhecies were written before all had gone into captivity to hab$on; and had the national name Israel alone been used Jeremiah’s hearers would have supposed that Judah was not to share in the promised blessing. For this reason also it is shown that there will no longer be factional differences between the two members of the one nation ,-as there had been for over two centuries up to that time. Question (5) .-Has Deut. 32:26 ever been fulfilled? Answer .-This prophecy by Moses was not concerning a part but against “the whole house of Israel.” If taken literally as it reads in our common version of the Bible it has not yet been fulfilled, for the remembrance of Israel continues. The Hebrew word here used, translated remembrance, does not signify knowledge (as the questioner evidently supposes), but rather memorial or scent.* Pleasant remembrance of Israel is to cease-we may say has very generally ceased (except with themselves and the true sniritual Israel). The modern name for Israelites-“ Jews”-& becoming a ‘stench instead of a scent in the nostrils of the world, which shortly will “drive them” into their own land as predicted in the Word of the Lord. Do you object to this answer? Then we will refer you to the inspired Anostle Paul. Let him settle the matter as to whethe; or not* “a22 Israel” as he knew them in his dav-not lost-is here referred to by the Prophet Moses. Paul “quotes part of verse 21 verbatim, with other prophecies against Zsraet, and applies them without qualification or limitation to “all the h&e of Israel” living in his day-not lost, but well known, called “Jews” -living at Jerusalem and scattered throughout the world. He specially addressed some living at Rome.-See Rom. 10:19-21: 11:l. 7-12. 26-32. Question ( 6 1.-What did th; Jews mean when they said, ‘Will he go to the dispersed among the Gentiles ?“-John 7 : 35. AnsweG.-The meaning of this-is plain. There were probably more “Jews” living outside Palestine, among the nations, than resided in Palestine. The latter, however, were accounted the more faithful and devoted, in that they clung to the land of promise as well as to the promise. It would not occur to a Jew that anyone claiming to be the Jewish Messiah would go to the Gentiles; and so when our Lord spoke of going away they wondered if he would eo to the Jews residing in the surrouhding nations. The Apoitles did this afterwara-preaching to the Jew first and afterward to the Gentiles. It was to these “dispersed” “Jews, ” “Israelites” of “our twelve tribes” that #James and Peter wrote epistles.
t Preferred
l

The
in

same
Hos.

“scent”

readinn Hebrew 14:7

of and

old MSS. word here “memorial”

rendered remembrance in Esther 9:28.

is

rendered

Question ( 7 ) .-Can we imagine all the branches of the olive tree broken off, and only wild branches in their stead? Answer.-If you refer to the Apostle’s illustration, we refer vou to his own words. Romans 11: 15-21. The Apostle does braiches were ‘not say that all, but, some, of the natural broken off. Our Lord and the apostles and the several thousand brought to Christ shortlv after Pentecost were Israelites, natural blanches, and were “not broken off. And doubtless many others among the Jews were found worthy of the light and blessine then due. Notice <hat none of the savages living at that time in Britain and Ireland (without knowledge of God or of Moses or of the Law, or of Abraham, or of the promise, or of cirSuch could not be cumcision ) could be here referred to. branches of the “olive tree” to which the Apostle refers, whoever their ancestors mav have been. The olive tree existed complete in the Apostle’s “day ;-then some were broken off and cast away, in order that the wild branches from the Gentiles might be grafted in. Question (8) .-Does the declaration of Matt. 21:45 “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you [Jews], and gven to a nation [Greek, ethnos] bringing forth the fruits thereof,” mean what it says, or that it was to be given to the conglomerate mass of nations known as the Gentile church? church which you describe as the “Gentile Answer .-The church” (or churches?), composed of a “conglomerate mass of nations,” is not recognized of the Lord’s Word, except it be Your description fits Babylon,-it is as mystic “Babylon.” “conglomerate ;” it is composed of “nations”’ gentiles, aliens; it might therefore perhaps be called a “Gentile church.” But it will inherit nothing but tribulation and destruction, as promised.-Rev. 18 : 4-12. The kingdom heirshin was taken from “Israel,” the “Jews,” It was transferred to as the Apo%le testifies.& (R om. 11:j) the nation bringing forth the proper fruits. (See Luke 22 : 27 ; 12:32: 2 Tim. 2:12; Matt. 11:12) Which nation? do YOU ask? ‘Well, not the- British nation nor any nation of “this world.” None of these “bring forth the fruits thereof.” The best of them are Ishmaelitish. In none of them can we see even a prospect of the fulfilment of our Redeemer’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven.” Let us ask the inspired Apostle Peter to definitely and positively point out to us the nation to which the promise of the kingdom was transferred when it was taken from Israel after the flesh. The Apostle replies:‘Ye [new creatures in Christ are neither Jew nor Gentile. bond nor free, but ye] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.“-1 Pet. 2:9 ; comp::rc Exod. 19 : 6. Is the questioner a member and heir of this kingdom and yet ignorant of it S Perhaps he has been so mistaught in the “Gentile church” (good name! ) that be knew of no other chul ch than “the conglomerate mass” called Christendom, and bad not heard of “the Gospel of the kingdom” and the “peculiar people.” Question (9) .-Jeremiah save, “Behold the days come. saith the Lord,. that I will make a new rovcnant “with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.” (Jer. Xl :3 L ) Does not this mean that the covenant made with the Hebrew race is for them alone? Answer.-The Law Covenant was with the Hebrew race promise to Abraham was for the alone ; but the original blessing of all the families of the earth. The New Covenant began to ouerate as soon as it was sealed with the precious blood of Christ, and throughout this Gospel age - it has “iustified” all who come unto God through Christ--the househbld df faith. When this age ends it wiii be made effective as a covenant with “all the house of Israel” whose blindness will be turned away that they may “look upon him whom they But next in order the light and knowledge have pierced.” of the blessing and privileges of this New Covenant will be granted to every creature-for all of whom it was sealed. See the leading article in this issue. Jeremiah’s prophecy mentions both Israel and Judah because when he wrote they had not been reunited, and to have used the name Israel alone or even “all Israel” might at that time have been misunderstood as not including Judah, whereas be specially addressed Judah, with whom he resided. Question (IO).-What is implied by Simeon’s words,“Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the gentiles [heathen] and the glory of they people Israel ?“-Luke 2 : 30-32. Answer.-Jesus is not only to be the glory of Israel, but the light of the world;-eventually, he shall lighten every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:9) As to Israel-What
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ALLEGHENY,

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Israel is here meant? is probably your inquiry. We reply, ( 1) Christ is the glory of the church, the true Israel of God (Rom. 11:7 ) ; and (2) he will be the glory of fleshly or natural Israel when their eyes are opened and they are received by him under the New Covenant. Earthly Israel (under Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets) shall then as the agents and representatives of the heavenly Zion become a blessing and a praise in the whole earth-as the earthly representatives of the spiritual kingdom of Christ. Question ( 11) .-When will Isaiah 41:21, 22 be fulfilled9 Answer.-Evidently at the close of this Gospel age, as indicated by the Apostle Paul, who almost quotes the words.-See Rom. 11:26, 27. Question. (12) .-Isa. 48:11, 12 says, “I will not give my g$yd to another. Hearken unto me, 0 Jacob, and Israel, my ” Will this gZory ever be given to Gentiles? Is it not for Israel only? Answer.--You totally misapprehend the Scripture you

quote. God gives his glory to no one (neither to Jews nor to Gentiles), but keeps it for himself. Read verses 9 to 11 as one subject. Verse 12 begins a new subject. Compare Isa. 42:s. Questiolz (13) .-Does the Apostle Peter (1 Pet. 2:9, 10, 25) refer to Gentiles? If so, when were they sheep, and when did they wander away so as to make return possible? Answer.-Peter was the Apostle to the circumcision, Paul to the uncircumcision. (Gal. 2 :7, 8) Peter accordingly addresses those who had been Jews, Israelites, non-residents of Palestine. But please note carefully that he is not addressing “lost” Israelites; but the large class of Israelites of all tribes, who after the Babylonian captivity made their homes amongst the Gentiles. Peter tells where they resided. See 1 Pet. 1 :I. However, do not lose sight of “the fact so clearly stated (Gal. 3 :5. 6) that these called from amonnst the Gentiles are felkow-h&s and of the same body, priesthgod, or holy nation, with the remnant of all Israel which received Christ.-

MIRACLES

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9 : 32-43. “Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.“-Acts 9:34. This lesson calls us back to the period when the church be understood to refer either (1) to a future work, in which had rest from persecution-probably about A. D. 40. In divine the church will share with her Lord, during the Millennium, providence it was a time for the rooting and establishing of or (2) it may be understood as ranking the works of spiritual the Christian faith. The general dispersion of believers noted quickening and revival as higher than physical healing and in a previous lesson had not yet taken place; but the apostles revival. Our Lord’s ministry was prior to his offering of the were actively circulating throughout the towns and villages sin-offering, and the general impartation of the holy spirit to of Palestine;-as is here stated of Peter’s visit to the believers believers : and hence his work was chieflv nhvsical healing at Lydda. We pause to remark that believers in the days of and the uttering of parables and dark say&g; n’ot to be fully the apostles lived lives so separated from the world, that the understood by any not imbued with the Spirit of adoption. name “saints” (holv ones) was annronriate to them. So let We must dissent also from the views of some, that this all true Chrictians” today live--cb;lse’crated, holy, separated power or gift, exercised so readily by the Apostle Peter, is a lives. conies of God’s dear Son. to the extent of their abilitv. general power possessed by all of God’s people-then or now. The habit in the Roman Catholic church is to wait. several Peter did not upbraid the believers, the “saints,” saying, Why centuries ; until his evil deeds are forgotten, and then to did you not heal Dorcas, when sick, or revive her when she canonize a man or woman as a “saint,” often in recognition of died? Even Peter himself healed comparatively few; probservices rendered to Panacv and against the truth. ably there were plenty of palsied and blind and otherwise sick of The healing of the -paralytic, hneas, was a very notable in the vallev of Sharon; surely, there were multitudes evidence of the power of the Lord, very similar to the healing But “every evidence proiyes that these powers were dead. at the temnle aate, Beautiful. Here, as alwavs, the great snecial and for a snecial nurnose-to introduce the Gospel to Apostle made sure that none should think the power exe&sed the attention of the people, ‘and not for the purpose of disto be his own :-distinctlv affirming that Jesus. the Messiah. pelling sickness and death, either in or out of the church. whom their rulers had &ucified, hid performed’ the cure and On the contrary, the Apostles taught that this age is the time was therefore not dead, as they supposed, but risen. in which the faithful are to suffer, if, by and by, they would reign with Christ: to rejoice in tribulations, knowing that The valley called Sharon, very fertile, was thickly settled, these, rightly endured and enjoyed, will work out for the and Lydda was one of its towns. We are not to presume faithful a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. that all the people became true Christians, but that they were The name Tabitha signifies Gazelle; “called Dorcas by the convinced of the power of Jesus; and doubtless some of them consecrated themselves to him and became true disciples. Greeks on account of its bright, flashing eyes.” Whether or The 1101~ Snirit was evidentlv guiding the Apostle and not this name was appropriate, whether Dorcas was a graceusing these”occasiona1 miracles to” draw attention to the Gosful, bright and beautiful woman, we cannot know; but it Nay, Del which Peter nrcached Thus he “found” the man who. evidently fitted her well as a noble Christian woman. ;ndrr divine prov’idence, was to be cured. Thus also at the her face must have beamed and her eyes must have sparkled; right time, when he was near (about nine miles away), for she had a warm, generous spirit, as testified by her symTaltltll:: ( f ranlrrla 1ann11age) or Dorras (Greek) died. and pathetic and energetic helpfulness of others. 0 that the spirit afforded the opportunity for one of the most remarkable of loving self-sacrifice for others might more and more abound 0 that more might be able miracles ever pcrformcd:-a parallel to our Lord’s greatest. in God’s people, male and female! It would not, however, be correct to suppose that thus our to surround the coffins of true Christians and testify to Lord’s words were fulfilled, whirh say, “He that believeth on evidences of loving service-earthly food or clothing or, better mr, the works thnt I do. shall he do also; and greater works still, spiritual food and robes of Christ’s righteousness or, than these shall he do.” (John 14: 12) These words can only still better, if possible,-both.

APRIL 4.-A&s

PROVERBS
“Xcver let your Christian life new and higher consecration and enter be made real to you bv Christ has already trained within edge.“-L?i&op Phillips Brooks. “Only love seeks after love. VOL. XVIII disown its past. Let every eniovment into which you brim&g into it all that you of grace and knowlIf I desire the love of anPA., other, it can surely only be because I myself have love We are not to be loved bv those whom we do toward him. It were an embarrassment *rather than an adnot love. vantage to receive love from those to whom we would not, When God asks human love it is because God return it. is love.“-@urgeon. APRIL 1, 1897 No. 7

ALLEGHENY,

“TO BE TESTIFIED
A correspondent sends us a published answer to the question,-“Since Christ gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time ( 1 Tim. 2:6), and since the great majority of mankind has not had the privilege of this testimony, how and when will it be given ?” as follows:“Christ has already been ‘testified’ as a ransom for all,

IN DUE TIME”

by his incarnation, irr which he lived in our nature ila this world; by the voice of God acknowledging him as his only begotten #on.;. and by the manifestation of his power in his behalf in raising him from the dead. “The point involved in the question, as we understand it, is, How far is God under obligation (if we may so speak) [2126]

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to bring these facts before every individual of mankind? In answer to this let us ask further, Has not God done all that is necessary on his part, to give the world sufficient knowledge of the gospel in every age? It is his plan to work through men; and thus every one who receives light and truth becomes a debtor to his fellow men, to make known that light and truth to them. If he does not do this, and those within his reach live and die in darkness, who is responsible? Is not God’s throne so far clear? . . . . “Again : it will doubtless be admitted that God has in mind just the requisite number to people this earth, and when this number have embraced the Gospel, the call will cease, and the eternal state begin. But if all who have not heard the Gospel are to have &other chance, and have the Gospel pressed upon them till they do receive it, there would be in the end a sufficient number to people several such worlds as this. Thus the whole course of events shows the plan of God’s providence to be this: to gather out from each generation those whom the Gosnel reaches. till the requisite number of people are gathe>ed out for his name, then establish the promised kingdom. And that the time has been so far prolonged is owing to the dilatoriness of men, not to any limitations of the provisions of the grace of God.”

therefore a first-class obligatioti. Moreover, it was sworn t0 by the Almighty. God wished us to know positively that so that when the Law Covenant was he obligated himself; added and still later the New Covenant was added (both added, as we have seen, for necessary and useful purposes) we might still know that neither of these could render void “of none effect” the original, wide promise. (Gal. 3: 17) gence God assured us of the blessing of a11 through the seed, by two immutable (unchangeable) things-his word and his oath.-Heb. 6 : 18. All men are to be “blessed” by being brought to a knowlAll must edge of God’s gracious arrangements in Christ. be blessed with sufficient “light” to see Christ as the “way,” the “truth,” the “life” and the “door” to divine favor everlasting. The testifyang of this to all “in due time” will be the blessing of all as provided for in God’s oath-bound Covenant. (3) The third answer is no less unreasonable than the others. In MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. I., page 170, we give figures to prove that several times the entire population of the world for the nast six thousand vears could be comfortably Anyone can figure it out for provided for on this planet. himself: there is no need for anvone to be deluded bv the oft repeated nonsense that the e*arth is one vast cem&ery, UBIAR f!hdITH. and that if the dead from Adam until now were all restored Our correspondent wishes to know what we think of this to being they would be unable to find even standing room. interpretation of the text in question. Mr. Smith is the foremost teacher amongst “SeventhWe think it very illogical and unsatisfactory. Really three Day Adventists,” who hold that no one but Seventh-Day answers are given, or three parts to the one answer, and keepers will be saved; explaining that they are God’s “little we will review these in order, separately. flock.” Now put this claim (and the total known numbers of (1) It is manifestly untrue and unreasonable to claim Seventh-Day keepers, of the past and the present) alongside that Christ was or could be “testified as a ransom” BEFORE the claim above that-“God has in mind just the requisite HE HAD PAID THE RANSOhl PRICE, as this writer claims. Our number to people this earth; and when this number have Lord’5 own testimony is that he came into the world to give embraced the Gospel the call will cease and the eternal state his life a ransom. The ransom was not abtm before Calvary. begin.” and &ould not be testified to truthfuZZy until after that eve& How do those propositions harmonize? The present popuIndeed. while the lauina dozen of our Lord’s life. finished at lation of the world is estimated at above fifteen hundred Calvary, was the r&&m-price, it was not p-es&ted to the millions, and yet these do not begin to populate this planet Father or formally paid over “for us,,’ until after our Lord’s -there are millions of acres without an inhabitant. Mr. ascension. He ascended up on high, there to appear in the Smith teaches that the end of all hope is nigh, even at the presence of God on our behalf. In the typical sin-offering for doors, yet, according to his reasoning above, it will require Israel, this presentation of his sacrifice as man’s ransomSeventh-Day Adventists nearly a million years to convert price to God was typified by the sprinkling of the blood upon enough people to their view of matters in order to properly the mcrcv seat and before the mercv seat.-See Tabernacle let the Gospel call “cease and the eternal state begin.” Nor ” Shudo~s “of Better Sacri,fires. does he leave himself a loophole by claiming that God will Resides. this wrong view excludes from testimony of any exercise miraculous power to increase the number of Seventhkind all except the Israelites; for the remainder of mankind Day keepers, for he says again, “God has done all that is were without God and had no hooe. (Enh. 2 : 12) Furthernecessary on his part; ” “it is his plan to work through men.” morr, the -4postle does not say bat ‘the ransom hod been. 0, if Brother Smith and his zealous colaborers could testified, but on the contrary he puts it future-to be testified only see clearly the full meaning of this one Scripture,in due time. “The man Christ Jesus-gave himself a ransom for allThe testimony referred to in verse 6 is the explanation to be testified in due time,“-it would straighten out all of the knowledge of the truth of verse 4, just as Christ a their difficulties and introduce them to the antitypical Sabbath. ransom for al.8 is the explanation of the statement that How else could the oath-bound Covenant be fulfilled,God will have all to be saved (verse 4). The testimony must than by the Millennial reign of Christ and his “little flock,” extend to a22, in order that all may have the promised knowlthe “royal priesthood ?” How else could the benefits of the edge. Verse 7 agrees, also, declaring that the Apostle himransom be made applicable to “ull” to “every man” and “for self was even then engaged in giving this testimony. How the sins of the whole world?” How else could our Lord unreasonable the claim, therefore, that Christ gave this testiever be “the true Light which Zighteth every man that cometh mony in full. The Apostle declares that this testimony into the world?” (John 1:9) How else will he ever “druw all “beann to be nreached bv our Lord”-but it has continued men unto [or toward1 himself” than by the presentation to by -the apostle; and all the faithful church since and must all of the same truths which now constrain or draw us? continue until it has reached all and brought all to a knowlHow many will so make use of the blessing-the light, the edge of the truth. drawing and the knowledge-as to conform to the requirements (2) Respecting God’s “obligation” to save few or many, of the New Covenant is another question entirely. But or to testifv the terms of salvation to few or manv: He had there is no auestion that the work of the glorified church no obligation originally; nor has he any obligitions now in the Millennial kingdom will be the flllfiiilnent of God’s except such as he has voluntarilv assumed. But he has oath-bound Covenant. (Gal. 3:29) Rut first the “little volimtarilv, of his “grace,” * assumed some obligations :flock,” the Christ (Head and body), must suffer many things toward Israel, toward the church of Christ, and toward “all and enter into glory. All the “members of his body” must the families of the earth.” As shown in our last issue. all be “lifted up” to shame, and shnre their Lord’s ignominy of these obligations are set forth in the great Ahrahamic and all must also be “lifted up” to glory, to share his honor. Covenant. As shown, that Covenant is unconditional. It is Then, the Seed complete, its work will be glorious.

GOD’S “PECULIAR

PEOPLE”

“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. a holy nation, a pen&ar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous licht: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God.“-1 Pet. 2:9, 10. We look in vain for this “holy nation” amongst tht the prince of darkness, “the prince of this world.” who still various nations of the world today. The pathway of even the rules the “kingdoms of this world.” best of those denominating themselves Christian nations is This “holy nation” was founded by our Lord Jesus, and marked with blood and violence and various evidences of had no existence before his advent. The basis upon which it selfish rapine. The very best of them would fall far short of was founded was the “ransom for all” which he gave at Calany reasonable standard of holiness. vary, and the beginning of the construction of his kingdom They are all, as the Scriptures declare, parts of the kingdom of darkness under was at Pentecost. Since then it has progressed after a manner [21273

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which is adapted to his purposes, though very contrary to the manner of the world and the nations of earth. It is unknown to the worldly, as it is written, “The world knoweth us not, even as it knew him not.” This kingdom is an ecclesiastical kingdom-a churchkingdom; but even if we look amongst the numerous churchkingdoms which have sprung up in the world (each of which claims to be the kingdom of God’s dear Son), we find that this “holy nation” or kingdom is none of these. It is not the Roman Catholic church or ecclesiastical kingdom, nor the Greek church. nor the Armenian. nor the church of Enaland, nor the Methodist church, nor the Lutheran, nor the Piesby: terian, nor the Baptist, nor the Congregationalist. These all mav have amomrst their millions some members of this “little flogk,,, this “ho& nation,” this true kingdom class which the Lord is selecting; but none of these in&utions is the Lord’s kingdom: none of them contains all who are his. There is onli one’ record in the universe that enrolls all the members of this “holy nation” or kingdom: it is called, “The Lamb’s book of life.” Hence. if we examine church historv. we shall no more find this “holy nation,” this holy ecclesia&ical kingdom, than amongst the temporal kingdoms. The historians knew not of the true “holy nation:” they saw and knew and recounted the incidents of the human organizations, called “Christ’s kingdoms,” but they knew nothing of the true one. Although it has existed from the day of Pentecost to the uresent time. it has alwavs been the kingdom of heaven &ffering vio&nce--despised “and rejected of men, insignificant and ianored in the sight of the world.-Matt. 11:12. Tee reason for this is that it is a “peculiar people”-not peculiar in dress, nor in manners, nor in language, nor in foolish, senseless forms and idiosyncrasies; but peculiar in that it is senarate from the world and the spirit of the world. It has’ the Spirit of Christ-a spirit of full consecration to the Lord, and separateness from the world and its selfish aims. It is peculiar in its adherence to the Word of the Lord as its only law. It is peculiar in that it rejects worldly wisdom when it conflicts with the divine revelation. It is peculiar in that it is in the world, but not of the world. It is peculiar in that it has a decided faith and acts in harmony with its faith, and with zeal. It is peculiar in that it is self-sacrificinrr and knows no will but the will of its King. It is peculiar in” that it knows the truth and is able to give% reason for the hope within, while others merely speculate and wonder and doubt. The Kina. when establishing this kingdom, forewarned all who would be of it that, in proportion as they possessed his character and his truth. and were thus “children of the light.” and likenesses of himself, who was “the light of the world,,,in that proportion they ‘would have the enmity of the world and the onnosition of the flesh and the devil to withstand and overcome. In view -of his forewarnings, “Marvel not if the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you;” “If ye were of the world, the world would because love its own, but now ye are not of the world; I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you ;” “Whosoever will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suflcr nrrsecution:” in view of these admonitions it should not sukprise us that the nations of the world (political and erc~lcsiaht<cal kingdoms) have always hated and persecuted the individuals comnosinn this “holv nation.” Thev seem to realize an antagonism, “however l&le it may be ex’pressed. This “holy nation” looks to a higher King and higher laws than any by which others are governed, and as Herotl sought to destrov “him who was born king of the *Jews.” so the various wo”rldly nations have sought (Under the ‘-’ influence of the nrince of this world) to hinder the develonI ment of this holy nation as antagonistic to their systems. Nevertheless, we note the care with which the apostles pointed out that all who compose this holy nation shall, so far as possible, “live peaceably with all men”-avoiding strife and contentions, except where principles are involved; and even when contending “earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints,” to manifest the spirit of meekness and patient forbearance, that “whereas they speak against you as evildoers. they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorifv God in the dav of visitation.” He urees. therefore. all of the holy nation, saying, “Submit yourselv& ‘to every drdinance of man for the Lord’s sake: . . . For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence theignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God. . . . For this is thankworthv. if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering’ wrongfully. . . . For even hereunto were ye also suffered for us, leaving us an called : because Christ example. that pi should follow his steps; who did no sin,
.I.

A

neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when he was reviled, reviled not anain : when he suffered. he threatened not: but committed him&f to him that judgeth righteously.,,-1 Pet. 2 : 13-23. Thus the King of this “holy nation” set for every member of it an example that they should walk in his footsteps. He declared that his kingdom was not of this world; consequently neither does the kingdom power of this “holy nation” belong to this present age. It awaits the return of the King himself, who said, “If I go away, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” He has promised, moreover, that when he comes again it will not be in a bodv of humiliation for sacrrfice on behalf of the sins of the world-for this sacrifice he has already accomplished to the full: He comes to reign, and has promised that his “holv nation” shall be associated with him in the reign of righteousness, wherewith he will “bless all the families of the earth.” But we notice further the Apostle’s statement that this “holy nation” or kingdom is also a “royal priesthood.” We look- amon at the pri&thoods of earth, but ‘we find that the priestly o%ice is distinctly kept separate from the kingly office, everywhere. Indeed, they are generallv antagonistic. The -kings-and royal families usually-represent the-highest developments of ambition and self-aratification: the nriests of earth,*theoretically at least, preseit sacrifices, and &us seek to make atonement for sins. Priests do not exercise kingly authority, nor kings condescend to priestly services. But in this “peculiar people” the priesthood and kingship are united. It was so with the King himself,-as a priest he offered up his own life, unselfishly, for the redemption and blessing of others. As a Eina he still has the same unselfish character and will use his kingly office to carry forward to all mankind, and make available to all, the blessings, liberties and privileges purchased with his own precious blood. His reign will be for this very purpose;-and for the establishment of righteousness and the extirpation of evil and those who adhere to it. The King himself is the great Hieh Priest of this “neculiar people,” this-“holy nation,” This “roial priesthood;” aid it is required of each individual member of this “holy nation” that he shall be a priest; that he shall be a sacrificer; that he shall partake so much of the loving and generous disposition of the King that he will desire to do good unto all men, as he may have opportuniity, especially to “the household of faith;” and that he shall lay down his life for the brethren-in the service of the truth, in their interest. In these and all respects they must all be conformed to the image of God’s dear Son.-Rom. 8 : 29. This experience as sacrificers in this present time as sufferers for righteousness’ sake, as tempted and tried and able to sympathize with the weak and the erring. is a necessarv part-of-the educational discipline which must-be undergone bi this priesthood before thev are accounted readv to enter the honois and powers of the& divine kingdom, as ;enresentatives and associates of the King of kings and Lord of iords. Nor does their priesthood end when their kingly powers begin, for it is written concerning their future reign.-“Thou h&t made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5: 10, 11) This “peculiar people,” this “holy kingdom” or nation all of whom are “roval” nriests, has a great w&k to do when established in the kingdom power f for it is none other than the nromised “Seed of Abraham.” which, accrding to the divine promise, is to have entrusted to it the great work of blessing all the families of the earth, by bringing them to the knowledge of the Lord, and into harmony, if they will, with the New Covenant sealed by the precious blood of the King. As explained by the Apostle Paul (Gal. 3: 16, 29)) the King himself is the head of this “seed,” this “peculiar people,,’ this “royal priesthood;” and they are reckonedly members of his body, and with him they complete this holy seed to which is committed the work of blessing.Rom. 11:31. Israel after the flesh, the natural seed of Abraham, supposed that they would have inherited this great privilege and honor, of being the divine representatives in blessing and enlightening the world; but when the King came unto them as “his own,” they received him not, as a nation, but to as many as received him, the faithful remnant, to them gave he “liberty to become the sons of God” and members of this “peculiar people,” this “royal priesthood ;” and he then visited the Gentiles to take out of them suitable ones of sufficient number to complete this foreordained priesthood. This “royal priesthood” then, be it noticed, is not the priesthood of Levi, even as this “holv nation” is not the nation of Israel. It is a new priesthood, “a new people and a new nation, which never before had any existence. “which in times past was not a and was not a priesthood, but now is become the nation.”
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people of God, the “royal priesthood,” the “holy nation.” The Apostle notes still another distinctive feature pertaining to this “peculiar people,” saying that it is a “chosen generation” or race. How strange it would at first seem that The Apostle should speak of this-peculiar people, gathered out from amongst various races, Jews and Gentiles, as being a special, particularly chosen Tace: as though they were a different -family entiiely from the remainder of mankind. lf tribal relationshin be understood. is not this “neculiar people” a mixture of allL the races? And if all humanity be *co&idered, are not these “peculiar people” of the same race as the remainder of mankind 4 Ah, no ! they are a new race, a race separate and distinct True, they once were of the same race, and from all others. some belonged to one branch or family and some to another; but their King, in calling them to be this “holy nation,” set aside entirely their previous genealogy and started them as a new race. As members of the Adamic race they were already slaves of sin and under condemnation of death; but their Master and King, who redeemed them from sin and death, opened the way for a full completion of the great divine purnose. and thev were begotten again. not of blood, nor of the will’of the f&h, nor of the wiil of man, but of .God. (John 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:3) They are therefore “new creatures” in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 6: 15) To them old things have passed away, and all things have become new.-2 Cor. 5: 17. The apostle therefore was right in his declaration that these are a different generation or race from others of manHe was right also in speaking of them as a “chosen kind. generation”-the race which God himself is selecting for the accomplishment of his great and wonderful plan, first declared to Abraham, but not understood, and expected to be fulfilled In reality this salvation in Abraham’s literal posterity. “began to be preached by our Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.” (Heb. 2:3) True, God has certain provisions and blessings in reservation for the natural seed of Abraham, and let us remember that to them also came the first opportunity, and the first place, in this new, select, spiritual race or “chosen generation.” The Head or Chief of this chosen race, the twelve subordinate chiefs, the apostles, and many of the other members of this “holy nation” came from the literal seed of Abraham; but as a whole the natural seed was not worthy to become the “chosen race” or generation; but only to as many of them as received him (Christ), to them gave he liberty to become the “sons of God,“-by yegeneration.-John 1: 11, 12. Grasping the full statement of the Apostle with reference to this peculiar people, this holy nation,-this new or regenerated race. this roval nriesthood. we can see readilv that none of the human systems or organizations of earth, past or present, fit these demands. But we can see also that the con-

ditions are well fulfilled in a “little flock” of which we map find scattered members here and there today, and all the way back to Pentecost. They are all self-sacrificing priests, who serve the living God through Christ Jesus acceptably, by serving one another, and all men as they have opportunity, and in general serving the Gospel. Fully consecrated to God, and their imperfectiouns (unint&tional) “all covered by the merit of the Redeemer, they are indeed a “holy nation,” with higher and different aims from those of the world, and with a different spirit, they are indeed a peculiar people. And the royalty of their priesthood, although unknown to the world at present, shall be revealed in due time; for it is declared by the inspired Word, that “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now,” “waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.“-Rom. 8: 19, 22. When the glory of these sons of God, this chosen race, this roval nriesthood. shall be revealed in the establishment of the M&s&c kingdom, during the Millennium, the entire groaning creation-the whole race of Adam, condemned in Eden, but ransomed at Calvary-shall be blessed by this great “Seed of Abraham.” Instead of their groaninga thev mav have ioy and peace, through accepting th< blessed arrangements of the New Covenant: and as a result. bv the close of the Millrnnial age, all who will may have experienced the blessings of the divine promise, “God shall wipe away tears from off all faces and turn away the reproach for being his people.” Then shall be brought to nass the savina which is written, He that sat upon the Throne iaid, “Beho”ld, “I make all things new ; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.“-Rev. 21:4, 5. Is it any wonder that the Apostle declares that each and all of these “peculiar people” should make it the first, the chief, practicafiy the only business of life, “to show forth the nraises rthe virtues of character and nlanl of him who hath ialled s&r out of darkness into his marvelous light?” And the showing or the telling of these is the preaching of the GosDel. whether it be done in nublic or in nrivate. bv word of mo<th’or by printed page. Aid this, the chief b&i&s of the peculiar people, begun now, will continue to be their business throughout the future, though under more favorable circumstances, in the majesty of the kingdom, with power to enforce the wise and just and wholesome laws, and with love and mercy to help and to succor the weak and the erring, and gradually to restore them, if they will, to all that was lost in Adam. What a wonderful Gospel ! What a wonderful privilege to be permitted to engage in its proclamation in any manner! Truly, all of the peculiar people can appreciate the testimony of the great Apostle Paul, ‘Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.‘,

RELATIVE

VALUES

OF THE

HEAVENLY

AND

EARTHLY

TREASURES

“A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of This statement of our Lord reminds us also of the exhortation of the Apostle Paul, “Let us lay aside every weight, and run with patience the race set before us, looking unto ,Jesus.” All that the Lord’s people have and are should be consecrated to their most efficient use in the divine service, according to their understanding of the teaching of God’s Word. As we reflect upon it, how manifest it becomes that all earthly riches which are not consecrated to God are only And not only so: weights and hindrances to the Christian. it is not enough that our all be consecrated to God as an acceptable sacrifice; for if all be consecrated to sacrifice, and yet never subjected to the flames of the altar, of what avail is it, except as a broken vow to rise up against us in judgment ? Many, indeed, are foolish enough to think that abundance of possessions is the only thing worth living for; and when they are obtained they put their trust in these uncertain are all riches and forget God. Their time and attention engrossed and their interest absorbed in the accumulation and care of the earthly treasures, which shut out all nobler aspirations toward spiritual things. It is for this reason that the Lord cautions his people not to be overcharged with the cares of this life. It is right to be charged to the extent of our necessities, and also to the extent of the responsibilities of our stewardship in the Lord’s service, to be provident and thoughtful, not only for ourselves, but also for others whom it may be in our power to assist; but to be charged is one thing, to be over-charged is quite another. To be over-charged is to permit corroding care and anxious solicitude to absorb our thought, our time, our interest, and so crowd out spiritual interests and spiritual aspirations.

the things which he possesseth.“-Luke 12: 15. In the discourse from which the above text is selected, our Lord was endeavoring to give to his disciples that ground of confidence in God which would enable them to cast all their care upon him, knowing that he careth for his children as a wise and loving parent, and that his tender mercies are over all his works. He drew illustrations from the the sparrows, the ravens, the lilies of the field and the grass, showing that God had not forgotten nor failed in his care of even these comparatively in’;;ignificant things, then added, How much more will he clothe and feed you, who are of more value than many sparrows. The very hairs of your head are all numbered, so minute is his knowledge of vou. Do not be anxious about what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, or wherewithal you shall be clothed; for your Father knoweth that you have need of these things. Seek the kingdom of God ati his righteousness, and all these things shall be added [supplied as needed] unto you. Sell that you have, and do good with it, as wise and faithful stewards of your consecrated talents, and fear no want of any good thing in consequence; for “no good thing will the Lord withhold from them that walk unriehtlv.” What a blessed promise that is! Not only will’h: make all, even the adverse things, work together for good to them that love God, to the called accord&g to his -purpose, but he will not withhold anv reallv good thine from us. Can we fully appreciate this &rider, fo&ng soli&de and watchful care for us personally ? Can we understand how it takes cognizance of every interest, temporal and spiritual. and how, with wise and loving forethought, it maps out our present course and guides our steps in view of those eternal interests which at present we cannot fully comprehend? Perhaps we cannot fully do so all at once: let us take it into con-

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ALLEGHENY,

Pa.

sideration, praying for a clearer vision of the love of God, and by and by the blessedness of these promises will dawn upon us more and more; and we will begin to realize more fully than ever before that, having placed our all upon the altar of sacrifice, subject to the consuming flames of the altar, we thenceforth belong to that blessed “little flock” to whom our Lord addresses these comforting teachings, and whom he exhorts to loving, patient faith, saying, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Truly, those who follow the Lord’s leading in this narrow way of sacrifice and of faith are only a little flock; for only a few thus apply their hearts unto instruction and wholly follow the divine direction. Consequently, only a few know the blessedness of the realization of the Lord’s tender care. But to those who follow this leading there is a growing sense of his love which the daily walk with him deepens, confirms and sweetens as the years go by, and as experience makes plain the guidance of his loving hand. As one after another of the trials of life come, and we mark his overruling power, which caused even the adverse elements to work together for our good, faith takes deeper root and the character becomes more stable, sturdy and pleasing to God, It is for this very purpose that the Lnrd permits us to be subject to the various vicissitudes of the present life, and that those who belong to the kingdom of heaven suffer violence at the hands of an unfriendlv world. There are lessons of immense value to be learned iI this hard school of experience-lessons of faith, of fortitude, of heroism, of courage, of endurance, of meekness, of patience, of sympathy for the suffering and of loving helpfulness to others. There are works of grace to he wrought but in us which only the hard experiences of life can accomplish. For instance, we would he inclined to lean too much to our own understanding, if we were not at times brought face to face with problems that baffle our skill. It is when we are “afraid to touch things that involve so much,” that in our perplexity we camp to him who has kindly said, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee,” and ask him to undertake for us. Or we might be inclined to trust too much in the arm of flesh, if the arm of flesh had never failed us, and the disappointment driven us to the Lord to seek the shelter of his- wing. Or we might learn to trust in uncertain ricbcs, if moth and rust had never corrupted nor thieves stolen the little or much of our earthly possessions. Or we might have been satisfied with earthly friendships and earthly loves, had not their loss sometimes”left us alone with God to prove the sweetness of his consolation. Or we might bc w&c and imbecile, had not the storms of life swept o\er us and the very emergencies of our case nerved us to c.nlrlage, cntluranc~c and Christian fortitude. In view of all thrsenrrrs\ities to the development of character, the Christian can truly feel that whatever the Lord permits to come upon him will hc made to work together for his gor,d : ant1 In this confidence he can peacefully sing,“If on a quiet With grateful gale. sea toward home I calmly heart, 0 God, to thee, I’ll sail, own the favoring

It ~onltl be a mistake, however, to suppose in view of the Lord’ z piomiscd rare over all our interests, that he would in every ~‘aqc make things work to.gether for our temporal ud~nntcc~c. Thcrc was at least one in the company to whom our Lo~tl was speaking who secmcd to interpret him thus, and who thrrcfore rcqnestcd his interposition on his behalf in the matter of au inheritance, saying, “Master, speak to

my brother that he divide the inheritance with me.” In reply to this request Jesus said, “Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?,, and then followed the instructions concerning the superior value of the heavenly treasure, showing that the earthly things are not worth the strife to obtain them. Jesus had not yet come to judge the world, but referring to that time when he would be the divinelv annointed Judge of all the earth. he showed that the searchi”ng A&rutiny of “that judgment would extend to all the minutiae of human affairs. Every selfish act, every injustice, every unkindness, every wrong thing, will then,but not now, except in very few instances,-receive its just “For there is nothing covered that recompense of reward. shall not be revealed. neither hid that shall not be known. . . . . Whatsoever ve have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be nroclaimed unon the housetons.‘, Men and wdmen in the:r present selfish condition of mind and heart, and intoxicated with the spirit of the world, although thus forewarned, do not consider with what shame and confusion of face they will one day have to meet the record of the past, when the little mean acts which they supposed none they cared for know of, and the unkind words to the defenseless which thev thought no one else would ever know all rise up to bear testrmony against them. Such often overlook their own follv. and consider that the nenalties will fall only upon the crim&al class. But the Lord’s judgment will be discriminating and exact; “God shall bring every world into judgment, with every secret thing; whether it be good or whether it be evil:” and “The eyes of the Lord are in-every place, beholding the.evil and the good.,’ In view of this iudnment to come. when the Lord. the righteous Judge, shall be established in his kingdom, ‘Paul says to all of the Lord’s people who realize oppression or injustice or unkindness of any kind,-“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.,’ ’ ‘No; Jesus is not the Judge or divider of the earthly things now: that will be the work of the Millennium; and so far as the earthly things are concerned now, his people may suffer many injustices and difficulties of various kinds; but the Lord’s counsel is to dismiss all anxious care concerning them, and, having food and raiment, to be contented and wait for the great reward of patient endurance. Meanwhile, let Christians see to it that thev are rightly exercised by all the disciplinary experiences of the present time: let them learn the lessons of trust in God and all the other valuable lessons so necessary to fit them for the exalted position to which they are called; let them rejoice in the present favor and communion with God which is the privilege of all the saints, and, with steadfast faith, look forward to the rest that remaineth for his tried and disciplined people. Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, and let your heart be there. Then disappointments, ingratitude and all the vexing trials of the present life which go to make up the daily cross can be borne with a comparatively easy grace. Your life consisteth not in the abundance of the things you possess: you, beloved, are not dependent upon these earthlv things : the Lord is the nortion of vour inheritance: yea, you haqe ‘a goodly heritage.’ (Psa. 16:g, 6) “Fear not, little flock”-fear not to carry out your consecration to the full, keeping your little all upon the altar of sacrifice. and subject to the consuming fire, trusting all of your future, both for the present life and that which is to come, to the loving care of your covenant-keeping God; and, by and by, in the glory of the kingdom, you shall prove the superior value of the heavenly treasures wllen the victory of faith shall be fully realized. Praise the Lord for his abundant grace and his precious promises ! M. F. RUSSELL.

INTERESTING
IS THERE NO

QUESTIONS
HOPE FOR POOR

ANSWERED
JUDAS?

Q,rcstlon.-I have read the TOWER article (Apr. 15. ‘96) in w1Iic.b .you give reasons for believing that Judas had many opportunities nhovc others of his time and nation; and that hrnrc, while the nation crucified our Lord “ignorantly” and may hc forgiven, Judas sinned against light and has therefore no hope, and has died the second death-the penalty of wilful sin. But I find it hard to give poor Judas up. Am I wrong in this; or is it an evidence that I have more Ioee than othrrs7 .lns,ccr.--By reason of the fall our entire race has suffered depravity both of mental and physical tastes-likes and

dislikes; and many are by heredity disposed to call the good evil, and the evil good. Christianity does not select the least blemished amongst men, but oftener the more blemished; the less blemished often feel a self-complacency and satisfaction which hinders them from coming to God as repentant sinners and realizing that they can be justified only through the imputed merit of Christ. But those who do come to Christ, and hear him, soon learn how imperfect are their own depraved conceptions, aud seek and obtain his mind to thenceforth be instead of their own judgments. “We have the mind of Christ,” says the Apostle-it is our “new mind,”

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WATCH

TOWER

(102-104)

we are “transformed bv the renewing of our minds” SO as to be able to “prove [k&w] what is ‘ihe good, acceptable and perfect will of God.“-Ram. 12:2. Your question indicates that however much you have submitted your judgment to God’s will on some questions, you have not submitted on this point. The reason seems to be that you are deceiving yourself into thinking that your symuathv with Judas is the true love which the Scriptures everyBut you bhere enjoin as the essence of Christian character. are deceiving n .I vourself. To love an evil thing is on a par with hating a good thing. Both are wrong; -both are- sinful; both are evidences that the depraved mind is not renewed, As well remodeled. transformed into the mind of Christ. might the drunkard or the libertine claim that his love of evil things indicates more true love. The mind of the Lord, inculcated by his Word, teaches that we are to love the beautiful., pure, true, noble; we are to love (in the sense of sympathizing with) the weak, penitent and oppressed who are seeking for the paths of truth and righteousness; but we are to “hate iniquity” and “every false way” and all the meanness and sin is wilful, against light and of the devil. Cease to pride yourself upon your love for one of the most detestable chaiacters known to the pages of history, of whom our Lord who so loved (sympathized with) the world that he laid down his life for it (-and greater love hath no man than this) said, “It had been better for that man Adopt God’s standpoint, as the if he had never been born.” Apostle says, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, he that doeth righteousness is righteous [and approved of God], but he that ma&ices sin Iknowinglv. wilfullv 1 is of the devil.‘, For our part we have no-thought o”f -ever becoming more loving than the Lord: we accept his definitions, and seek to be conformed mentally thereto-the image of God’s Son. We want to love just as he loves and just what he loves, and we want to hate what he hates. Of him it is written, “Because thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore the Lord. even thv God. hath anointed thee with “DO the oil of gladness above “thy fellows.,, (Heb. 1:9) not I hate them, 0 Lord, that hate thee? . . . . I hate them with a nerfect hatred.“-Psa. 139:21. 22. We ire glad that neither Satan nor Judas nor any other creature will ever be tormented to all eternity. We are glad that a full, fair opportunity for coming to a knowledge of the Lord and of the wav of riphteousness will be granted to every member of Adam% race, but we are glad that, on the contrary, all who rejoice not in the truth but rejoice in iniquity will be utterly and everlastingly destroyed in the second death, We abominate Satan, who for over six thousand years has wrought unrighteousness and gloated over the evil and pain and sorrow which he has wroueht. and who with clear knbwledge of the redemptive work ha: for eighteen centuries opposed the kingdom and the great salvation. The person who could believe in Satan’s conversion after all this battling against the light and the truth has a perverse mind, very sadly blinded by the god of this world.

Such rejoice with with the various steps of its presentation. the clarifying of its every detail. Changes in the language used in expressing the same thoughts have been made in several instances. (Notably VOL. I., pages 106, 107, 140, 157, 240, 279, 321 and foot notes of pages 124 and 288-the latter formerly an appendix. Also note addition of foot note on page 150.) These alterations of language are all, we trust, beneficial to the readers. They were made necessary by reason of two things:( 1) Enemies have tried to put a false light upon our words, and to nick out sentences or portions of a sentence to use against- the truth and to misrepresent the general we have been misrepresented by teachings of DAWN ;-thus some as being “Universalists,,’ bv others as teaching a second individual chance or trial for aliof Adam’s race, by others as being in agreement with their blasphemous doctrine that God is the author of all sin and wickedness. (2) Friends have honestly misunderstood our teachings. Unused to reasoning on religious subjects, many failed to (a) the see the two distinct parts of the one salvation; part between Justice and the ransom given by our Lord Jesus for aZZ ma&&Z bv which he “bouaht” the whole world. and became Lord and *Judge of all, w%h the right or power to grant lasting life to whomsoever he will; and ( 5) the part of salvation which relates to the run-chased race, and the terms upon which they may individually avail themselves of the grace of their Redeemer, and obtain from him the lifeeverlasting which he (by virtue of his ransom sacrifice) has the right to give to all who comply with the terms of the New Covenant. Our constant aim is to have the teachings of the WATCH Towxn and MILLENNIAL DAWN so expressed, that, like legal documents, they cannot be misunderstood. That we have not alwavs succeeded does not discourage US; for we find that the “inspired words of Scripture are” frequently wrested by false teachers, and misunderstood by God’s honest children. The difficultv encountered bv the legal profession in stating matters so ihat they can&t be m&n&stood is witnessed bv the freauent contest of Wills. A case in noint is the broken Will of th’e noted lawyer-millionaire, Hon. ‘s. J. Tilden. Yet, presumably, his Will was the most painstaking paper he ever prepared. We cannot hope that the plan is yet so stated that a “wayfaring man” cannot understand our meaning and enemies cannot misrepresent us. We trust that no false pride, nor false ideas of infallibility, will ever hinder us from declaring the truth, the whole truth, relating to God’s plan, as he shall give us to see the truth. Question (2).-Would the fact that, as pointed out in Tabernacle Shadows of Better gacrificeg, the church, the bride, of the Second Adam, joins in his sacrifice, have any bearing on this question? Answer.-No ; for it is only nfter we have been “justified” by the ransom price that we are called to be his bride, joint-sacrificers and joint-heirs with Christ. THE DATE OF JESUS’ BIRTH Qucstiosz.-It appears that a considerable number of SEEN MORE CLEARLY Seventh Day Adventists are reading MILLENNIAL DARN [The Question (l).-In a recent number of the WATCH TOWER Lord be praised!] and are finding that their dates and you show quite to my satisfaction that mother Eve was not theories are faultv. Thev are writing to the editor of the reckoned as a separate individual, but as part of the body Sabbath Herald for help &rd further proofs. The editor sees of Adam as much as before she was taken from his side, what many of his readers do not see probably; viz., that the and that this the one sacrifice, once for all, covered her in date of Jesus’ birth. as clearlv snd forciblv set fortb and him. But now I want to ask two questions: Is not this proved’in DAWN, VOL. II., utterly destroys theback-bone theory presentation a little different from the presentation on the of Seventh-Dav-Adventism in re the “Cleansinp of the Sancsnme subject in MILLENSIAL DAWN, VOL. I., page 123? tuarv”-bv &owing as VOL. III. does, that they hare not Answer.-Yes; this statement is a little different from only” misuiderstood‘the nature of the “cleansing.” but also the that in DAWN, and the next edition, now on the press, will time of it. which thev fix in 1844 instead of 1846 A. D. show a few words of change on the page referred io. While The article referred to throws a lot of dust for the eye< the point is comparatively unimportant, and does not vitally of it4 readers. but really makes only two points, which I affect any part of the plan of the ages, yet we spare no will thank you to answer. pains to present the truth as clearly and as fast as we see (1) He claims that the date of Dionvsius as given in foot it. The trunkline of truth, the plan of the ages, is not note on page 54, DAWN, VOL. JI., is incorrect. only the best and safest route for- the consecrat&l mind to (2) He claims that “two vears before Augustus’ death’, travel in coming to a knowledge of the things which shall Tiberius “was allowed the celebration of a triumph in Rome. be, but, more than this, it is the only through route. Along and was then clothed by Augustus with PROCOSSIJLAR POWER. this route, here and there, are side-tracks and switches which was understood by all the people as CO-SOVEREIGNTY with which may require and must have straightening and alignhimself.” ment with the main track: but these are all “betterments,” ‘I see that the first point is of no consequence, as it no not impairments, of the rohd. But, anyway, we have never more bears on the subject than does the date of mv birth. claimed for the DAWN verbal accuracv or infallibilitv. It is But the second point is of consequence, if is proves Tiberius our enemies who cannot refute the ieneral teachin; of the to bare hegun his reign two years before the death of Sugustua. divine plan, that seek to divert attention and arouse prejudice Answer.-1) The foot note referred to is in error. eviby crying, “Infallible !” The divine plan of the ages is so dently a slip of the editorial pencil or by the compositor. grand, that all the consecrated who see it realize that God It should read, and will be found in later editions, as is its author, whoever may be its promulgators, connected follows :[ 21311

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with positiveness, except it be this statement of Luke 3:l; The year A. D. was fixed upon as early as the sixth century and we accept it implicitly, as God-given, for our instruction. by Dionysius Exiguus and other scholars of that period, Besides, Luke was an educated man and shows himself to though it did not come into general use until two centuries have been well ecquainted with the general affairs of his later. time. He connected the beginning of John’s preaching of the However, as you suggest, this has no bearing whatsoever kingdom of heaven at hand with the reign of Tiberius Caesar on the subject, and might just as well have been the twelfth for the very purpose of locating or fixing the event chronoor any other century. logically; and it would be passing strange if he would pur(2) The editor of Sabbath Herald finds his dates and posely misstate the matter. There is no question, in secular reckonings all out of harmony with the testimony of Luke 3:1-3. ,-the histories, as to when “the reign of Tiberius Cssar” began; only positive date given in connection with our Lord’s birth and ministry, by which it can be connected with the only people to raise a question about it are those who, reliable Roman history. following the inaccurate records of Josephus, want to twist Like many others this editor has been misled by Josephus’ unreliable dates, and having adopted Luke% plain statement into harmony with a date two years them and fixed his theory thereon, as do many others, he earlier. The beginning of the “Seventy Weeks” (490 years) of must needs cast some discredit unon Luke’s statement. There Israel’s favor (Dan. 9:24) was so obscure and indefinite is not a shadow of doubt as to when Tiberius began his reign (A. D. 14) ; but this editor (and many others), having a that the Jews could not and did not know positively when false theorv and date to unhold. claims that Tiberius began to expect the Messiah. No doubt this was of divine intento reign and that his reign dated two years before he was tion. Had the fulfillment of the time of this prophecy been recognized as Emperor, two years before the great Augustus apparent to the Jews, doubtless they would not have crucihad vacated the office by death. fied the Lord of glory. Only a few dates as far back as the beginning of those Seventy Weeks can be accurately fixed, The so-called proofs of this, which you quote, are absurd, and they by reason of notable eclipses recorded in connection and find their oniy strength in the ignorance of his readers: with them. Recognizing the fulfillment of the events of the the editor evidentlv thinks that the words “vroc~8Ubr seventieth week, and getting the date thereof from Luke powers’, will be misu”nderstood by his readers to mean imperial 3:1-3, we are enabled to reckon back and know exactly when power-a totally different thing. That the fallacy and weakthey began, regardless of the inaccuracies of records and ness of the argument may be seen we quote from the Xtadard the- multiplied disputations of chronologists. Dictionary, the highest authority, the meaning of proconsular The best answer to such criticism is the rereading of the and proconsul, as follows:plain statements of MILLENNIAL DAWN. On this tgpic see “Proconsular.-The dignity, office, or term of o5ce of a proconsul.” VOL. II., pp. 54-72; VOL. III., Chap. 4. “Procon&.-A Roman official who exercised consular FRIDAY, THE OLOSE OF OUR LORD’S S% YEARS’ MINISTRY authority in one of the provinces, or as commander of an Question.-Mr. Totten writes as follows :army-though not a Consul.,’ “A brother writes us under date of Nov. 18, ‘96,-‘By the “Judea was henceforth to be incorporated Illustration.into the nrovince of Svria. with the ProconsuZ . . . . as way, have just ended a long correspondence with Russell; he has had to throw up the sponge on both the 31/i year supreme h:ad under the “Emperor.,, mini&v and Fridav crucifixion!‘, So far from “proconsular powers” signifying that Tiberius Mr.-Totten give; a few lines of comment on the above. was made the Emperor, or that he shared imperial honors Now as a per&al favor I ask if your opinion of the\c with the Emperor, these words signify an o5cer under the matters has changed in the least from that presented in Enmeror. And. indeed. there were several Consuls and ProNor would the vain DAWN? consuls in the great Roman empire. Answer.-There is not a word of truth in the statement. and ambitious Augustus Caesar, who changed the order of It is “out of whole cloth” like Mr. Totten’s Astronomical the calendar so as to perpetuate his name in one of the and prophetical misstatements exposed in our issue of May months with the most days and at the high noon of the 15. ‘96. year, be the kind of man likely to grant one mite of his ‘We have not changed our opinion in the least from thtn honor or o5ce to another, until death. presentation _- of these subjects in DAWN; we see not the The fact is that students of chronology are - quite _. ._ _. at a _._. loss for anything that will fix the date of our Lord’s birth slightest shadow of reason for any change on either subject
I

COD’S ACCEPTANCE
APRIL 11

OF CORNELIUS

.-Acts 10 : 30-34. -‘Wbo~oever bclirvrth in him shall receive remission of sins.“-Acts 10:4X particular reason, we see was, that the full period of the Cm neliu& notctl a* the first adopted son of God from “seventy weeks” aulnng:qt the Gcntilc*, wt19 a Roman soldier, the captain of a (of years) must be confined to Israel, as it is written. “He company quartrred in C:csaren for the better preservation of shall confirm the covenant order and Ilie cnforcemcnt of the will of the Roman governwith many for one week,” altho he was to “cut It may be ment, which, ~1 that timr. controlled Palestine. short the work in righteousness,, (so far as the nation was mmtioned in Luke that he was the very same Centurion concerned) “in the midst of the week.” The “manv.” to i7:2-10) as a worthy, noble and generous man. of whom Jesus whom the covenant was confirmed for the remainder”’ (3% said. “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel;” years) of the seventieth week, consisted of those worthy and whose scrvnnt waq healed as a reward of this faith. Jews who, beginning at Pentecost, were specially taught, True, that Centurion was stationed at Capernaum, while and thousands of them converted, during this remaining period Cornelius wc find in Cabsarea ; it is possible, however, that of individual favor to the Jew. We may, therefore, presume these bantlr of Roman sold~crs were moved about from place to that Cornelius, having been for some time in an acceptable place as n better means of awing the people with a small condition of heart, the Gospel went to him at, the earliest numhrr of soldiers. It would certainlv be very remarkable possible moment-about Oct., A. D. 36. to find two $1~11 Centurions of so remarkable a”character reWe cannot properly speak of these experiences of Cornelius And we are to remember that a siding so near together. as a coneersion or tzcrnina of his heart: for his heart was period of about six years must have clapsed between the time already in the right attitude, as was that of Saul of Tarsus. and the of our Lord’s healing thr servant at Capernaum As the latter needed to have his knowledge corrected, so the cventq we now consider. former needed to have his knowledge increased; and then The date of Cornelius’ conversion cannot bc nositivelv de- both needed to be accepted in the Beloved,-and to receive terminrd from hiitnrv, but from nropbecy we’ may locate the Spirit of adoption as “sons of God.” it with great positiveness in the ye& 36, A. D., because there The testimony is that, at the time of receiving this great Our terminated. of Daniel’s DrODhW the “seventv week-” blessing of the truth, Cornelius was in the right attitude Lord was baptised at the beginning *of the seventieth week of heart to receive it: he was hungering and thirsting after (Oct., A, D. ‘Z!)), was crucified “in the midst of the week” righteousness, and was fasting and praying for it. What a (April, A. D. 33). The seventy weeks ended the special favors If all people -could -be gotten into a suggestion is here! of the Jewish nation (Oct., A. n. 36). That date, therefore, condition similar to this described of Cornelius. we mieht exwas the earliest at which it was possible for the Gospel to pect the conversion of the whole world speedily. The” great be sent to the Gentiles. difficulty in the presentation of the Gospel is the unreadiness It would appear that Cornelius had been in an acceptable This is true, whether of the hearts of those who need it. We may attitude of heart hefore the Lord for some time. of the savages of Africa or the philosophers of India and reasonably infer, therefore, that God delayed the sending of China, or the self-satisfied ones of so-called Christian lands, the (:ospcl rnch\agc to llim for some particular reason. That [2132]

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1. 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(106-107)

They do not know the truth, and they cannot receive it, because their hearts are not prepared for it. And if the truth be received into anv other than into a good and honest heart, it not only is not”likely to bring forth a good harvest, but indeed mav introduce a libertv (freedom from suuerstition. etc.) which may actually be &favorable in its resilts. The constant effort of all, therefore, should be, not only to be in a proper attitude of heart themselves, but to see to it that those whom they approach with the truth are brought in contact not only with the knowledge and liberty which the truth carries, but also with its influence as a sanctifying and cleansing power. In the &ion granted to Cornelius the Lord commends f 1) his uraverful attitude. which imulied faith in God and a desire fir uharmony with him in &righteousness; (2) his works of righteousness-his alms-giving, his endeavor to overcome selfishness and to copy divine benevolence. So we believe it is with all; whoever is in the right attitude of heart will be more and more moved to good works. We have here also an illustration of divine methods; and we have every reason to believe that they are the same today. God did not miraculously fill the mind of Cornelius with a knowledge of the Gospel and the details of the divine plan of salvation;-nor does he do this today, altho some of his children evidently so misunderstand his arrangement. On the contrary, the Lord made use of his servant Peter in communicating the truth, in teaching those who were ignorant of it. -Men accordingly were sent a considerable iournev to find Peter. and Peter iourneved with them the same distance in order to ‘preach the bospef, rather than have any mirac&ous presentation of it. The language of Cornelius. when Peter was come to his house, indicates an appreciation of the fact that the message was from God, and that Peter was merely the honored instrument. Cornelius, presenting himself and his household in the presence of Peter for instruction, said, “We are all here present before God. to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Here was a proper respect for the servant of God as a servant of God and his Word; but also a full recognition that “every good and perfect gift cometh down from [our Father] above,” and that the Gospel itself is “neither of man nor by man.” It is safe to say that Peter, as well as Cornelius, received a great lesson from the Lord in connection with this visit. He was learning that, altho the divine favor and privilege of the Gospel had been granted “to the Jew first,” according to divine promise, nevertheless only true Jews could be acceptable with God, while “in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is lnowl accepted with him” -through the merit’ of the sacrifice given “once for all” by him who has since been hiehlv exalted and made “Lord of all.” Peter presupposes on the part of Cornelius just such knowledge as we would expect of an educated and influential man at that time, particularly if he were the Centurion of Capernaum who had personal contact with our Lord. He says, You have heard about this preaching of Jesus all through your country here, the matter is public, no one could live in this vicinity without coming to a knowledge of these general facts. They may have heard the facts misstated to some extent and misrepresented, but in a general way all know that our preaching is concerning Jesus of Nazareth: that he was anointed of God, the Messiah; that he received the holy spirit and with it power; and that he used this power in doing good and healing all oppressed of the devil (through sickness, etc.) ,-all of which, either directlv or indirecily, are traceable’ to sin and thus to the author of sin, Satan. Having briefly rehearsed the matters which Cornelius already knew, the Apostle rehearsed some matters which were not so generally known, but denied as incredible; namely,

that the death of Jesus was not like the death of others, but was a sacrifice; that this sacrifice was acceptable with God as the ransom-price for sinners; and that God had “given assurance unto all men” (that the sacrifice was satisfactory and had been accepted on behalf of all men) by raising Jesus from the dead on the third day.-Acts. 17:31. We have heretofore seen that our Lord Jesus was not raised from the dead a fleshlv being, a human being, but a spirit being, and that “flesh- and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” We have seen that, accordingly, no one could see him as the resurrected spirit being, except-a miracle were performed, either by grantcng speciai powers to see a spirit being, or by our Lord’s appearing in a body of flesh on certain occasions (just as angels had done previously) for the purpose of the better impressing upon the disciples the two facts: I 1) his resurrection, (2) his change of nature which prevented his being seen, except as he would specially Thus, Peter here declares “appear” or “munifest” himself. that the people in general did not see the Lord Jesus after his resurrection, but that God “showed him,” unto “mitnesses chosen before of God, even unto us.” Thus bv these proofs of our Lord’s resurrection God granted us the evidences bf coming divine favor-proofs that-Christ is emnowered of the Father to be the Judne of all who are to be*judged, the living (the angels who kept not their first e&ate and who are “reserved unto the judgment of the great day,” and upon whom the death sentence has never yet been pronounced) and the dead (the world of mankind, “dead in trespasses and sins,” and dead, in the sense that all are under the sentence of death). The Apostle’s discourse was orderly, and he next proceeded to show ihat all this was in harmony with what had been foretold respecting this long-promised Saviour, Messiah. Then, completing his argument and bringing it down and making a personal application of it to his hearers, he showed that, the penalty of sin having been paid for all by the Lord Jesus, and all judgment of the sinners having been transferred to the hands of him who ‘bought us with his own urecious blood.” it followed that he had full Dower and authorjtv to extend ‘the terms and conditions of the New Covenant; namely, the remission of sins to all who believed in him as their Priest (Redeemer), their Prophet (Teacher) and I their King (Ruler). We are not surprised to find from the narrative that this man, whose heart was so ready for the truth, who was hungering and thirsting for it, fasting and praying to be in a condition for receiving it, was so ready that he appropriated the words of the Apostle as the bread from heaven and the water of life for which he had been hungering and thirsting. It does not surprise us, therefore, that God immediately, in view of *his full consecration, accounted him worthy of “the spirit of adoption ;” and not only so, but also gave him some of the outward manifestations or miraculous “gifts,” similar to those granted to the believers on the day of Pentecost. The Apostle Peter, as he subsequently testified to his fellow-disciules at Jerusalem. was astonished to see that God in everv risnect treated the converts from the Gentiles the same as th;! converts from the Jews; and dropping all prejudice Peter at once grasped the situation and did not hesitate to offer to Cornelius symbolic baptism as the eridence or pledge of his consecration to the Lord; assuredly gathering that whomsoever the Lord counted worthv of the holy Spirit was worthy also of every other feature of the divine arrangement for the household of faith. With us also should it be the same: whoever we may find truly believing the Gospel of redemption and forgiveness of sins through Christ, 2nd consecrated to God’s service in him,-such, wherever found, are to be esteemed as brethren and fellowshiped to the full, whether or not they have seen every item of the truth knowledge will come to the ronserrated. now due. Further and, as a fruit of it, ohcdience map be expected.

THE “CHRISTIANS”
APRIL

OF ANTIOCH

l&-Acts 11: 12-26. “Then hath God also unto the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.“-Acts 11: 18. out of darkness into his marvelous light.” They met with Antioch was one of the chief cities of the world at this hearing ears and believing hearts, under the divine leading time: it ranked with Rome and Corinth. It was the capital of the province of Syria. and blessing. They no doubt thus eventually realized that The Gospel reached it as the their persecutions were part of the “all things working toresult of the persecution which arose about the time of gether for good to them who love God;” and those of right Stephen’s martyrdom, in which Saul of Tarsus was one of mind surely rejoiced that by any means they were permitted the leaders. Some of those who had received the Gospel at to be co-workers together with God, and to be used of him Jerusalem when “scattered everywhere,” got as far away as Antioch, about 300 miles from Jerusalem. They did not in his glorious work. These laborers were not apostles. nor even notable ones amongst the Lord’s disciples, so that it was put their lights under a bushel, but endeavored to “show forth the praises [virtues, glories1 of him who had called them not considered necessary by the writer even to mention their
III-15 r213::3

(108-110)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLLGHENY.

P4

names ; nevertheless we can be sure that however obscure amongst men, they were reckoned by the Lord as his jewels whom he will shortly gather, and who, numbered amongst those who turn many to righteousness, will shine as the stars for ever and ever. The testimony to their efficient work is,-“A great number believed and turned unto the Lord.” It is worthy of notice that believing is one thing and turnWe fear that this dising to the Lord is another thing. tinction is too often forgotten, and that too many are satisfied merely to get their friends to believe some of the good things of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, and do not press the matter on to the only legitimate and proper conclusion-a complete turning away from sin and the world; a thorough turning of every sentiment, hope, ambition and -desire “un’to the Lord.” Let and into harmonv with his divine nlan. us remember the statement, “devils also believe:” and let us not rest satisfied with efforts merely to convince the head without convicting and regenerating the heart. Many speak of the church at Antioch as “the first Gentile church” and of “Gentile Christians” and “Jewish Christians.” All this is a mistake: there is not and never was a “Gentile church,” nor n “Gentile Christian.” We might just as well speak of a “heathen church” or a “heathen Christian,” for such is the meaning of these expressions. There was a Jewish church under Moses. but there waq never a Jewish Christian church, and there never will be. The way may have been smoother for a Jew to pass out of the partial light of the Law Covenant, than for the Gentile to pass from the outer darkness of heathenism into the full light of the Gosnel: but. nevertheless. there was a Dositive transfer in both &sea: Cdristianity is -not a blendin’g of the Gospel with Judaism. nor is it a blending of the Gospel with heathenism. Our Lord declared that he would not put a patch upon the Jewish system and call it Christianity, nor put the new wine of the Gospel into the old wine skins of Judaism; but that, on the contrarv. he established a totallv new thing: and that those who wo;ld enter his kingdom &at first ‘66 begotten again, and ultimately be born again before they could share it.-John 3:3-F!. While we would contend earnestly for the truths and facts of the Gospel, we do not wish to be hypercritical as to the words and names. If, therefore, any have used the terms and “Gentile Christians” merelv throuph “Jewish Christians” mistake of language, and have had the apostoliE thougvht in mind. namelv. that there is “neither Jew nor Gentile. bond no; free, &ale nor female, but ye are all one [a new one-a new church] in Christ Jesus,” we have no desire to quarrel with such. nor to be captious; and yet we do respectfull urge upon all such the unwlsdom of using terms which o P themselves, and without particular private explanation, are misleading. The Gospel was preached at Antioch at first, properly, to the *Jews only; yet, when the due time for it to go to the Gentiles arrived. the Lord’s providence opened up the way and showed his servants that Cornelius was not an exceptional case, but that the Gospel was to be preached in all the world for a witness, for the purpose of gathering his little flock from all kindreds, nations and tongues who should have an ear to hear it and to whom he would send it. The progress of the interested at Antiocb was a refreshment to the central company of believers at Jerusalem, and forthwith appreciating the fact that they would need instruction in the truth, and that the Lord would be pleased to continue to use human instrumentalities to this end, they at once dispatched Barnabas on a missionarv tour. Bainabas, as a go&l, faithful servant of the Lord, was-greatly rejoiced when he found the condition of matters at Antioch, yet, apparently, he found a condition of things to meet which hp himself lacked certain qualifications. Of a loving and kind disposition, his visit no doubt was very helpful to them, but 1118apparently discerned that they needed instruction aq ~~811:I* exhortation, and immediately he thought of Paul, the worltlrlful Christian logician, and of how ably he could presrnt ihc Gospel in its various features to those Grecians of a philo~c~pllical turn of mind. Accordingly he sought him and found him and brought him with him to Antioch. The

results showed the wisdom of the course, and no doubt it was entirely ordered by the Lord. A year‘s stay in Antioch under the able teachings of Paul and imder th6 loving ministries and exhortations of Barnabas resulted most favorably: not only was the church of believers well developed, b;t the multitudes who assembled received considerable instruction also, and thus the knowledge of the Gospel was greatly spread abroad. Some have surmised that the name “Christian,” first attached to the Lord’s people at Antioch, was applied in ridicule. But it seems to us that the evidences all point to the contrary, and indicate that this was the name which the believers ado&d for themselves. bv which thev would be Had the nam;? been a &reputable known to outsiders. one we might have supposed it to be applied in ridicule; but since the basis of the name Christian is the word Christ, and since the word Christ signifies Messiah or the Anointed (of God), it must have been accepted as a most honorable name, or who would think that a divine anointing could signify anything dishonorable in the eyes of any man, Jew or Gentile. This adopted name “Christian” indicates the healthy condition of the church, and testifies to the sound instruction When which they had received from Paul and Barnabas. later another company of Christians began to split up into factions, some calling themselves followers of Peter, some followers of Paul, some followers of Apollos, the Apostle reproved them for this, assuring them that it was an evidence that their views in general on the subject were fleshly, carna!, worldly and not spiritual. He told them that it was an evidence that as yet they were “babes” in spiritual things, and pointed out to them that neither Peter, nor Paul, nor Apollos, had died for them, and that at very most they were only servants of the Lord Jesus, who had redeemed them and who had sent them the blessing of the truth, using such instrumentalities as seemed to hi& good. (1 Car. 3‘;3-23) What evidences we have all around us that tht& carnal or worldly mind prevails very largely today,-that cery many who have named the name of Christ as merely “babes” in spiritual comprehension. The evidences of these conditions may be found in the fact that one says, “I am of Wesley,” another, “I am of Calvin,” another, “I am of Peter,” and that in general the believers of the Lord Jesus are split up into parties and factions-Lutherans, Presbyterians. Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Baptists, etc. Moreover, it is not true, as some claim, that these names are merely forms and that they signify nothing. They do signify much: thev imDlv that those who brand themselves wrth -these names”acknb\;;ledge the rules of various parties and factions, and that they are all more OI less in bondage to human svstems and traditions of men. and have failed-to a large &tent to realize the individuil “liberty wherewith Christ makes free” all those who have come to him, and who are united to him only. Nor do we with many advocate the removal of these dividing fences of human creeds merely to construct of them a “union” fence, doubly strong, around the whole company of believers in Christ. On the contrary, we deny the-propriety of any human fences, and hold that each individual Christian is to be united and bounden only to the Lord and to his instructions, and not to others, few or many. All the truly consecrated .and trul united to the Lord will find themselves in fellowshin witb a 3I others similarly united to him, and the bonda& between these various m-embers (the bonds of love and of common submission to the one Head and to all of his arrangements) will be the only bondage necessary to the complete operation of this body of Christ, according to the directions of his Word. Let us each make it our highest ambition and aim to be Christians in the fullest sense of that word. To truly be a Ckristian implies a union with Christ; it implies a submission to him as our Head. it imulies a share with him in the anointing of the priesibood fbr tde work of sacrifice and of self-denial in this present time; it implies also an association with him in the anointing of kings and jointheirs in the coming kingdom. Let us take and let us keep this holy name, and it alone; and let us makr tiure that we do not take this holy name in vain.

“MY

SOUL,

BE ON THY

GUARD!”

110 not ?(bryct that our ever active Adversary seems to be granted adtlition;tl libc~rty and power of temptation at the Passover ieason. J,et (narh soldier of the cross be specially on his guard to r(+i\t him-steadfast in faith and good works

and love. Let each also be on guard to help and not to stumble the “brethren” at this time. Pray for one another and for us; as we also remember all of you at the throne of the heavenly grace. [21341

__VOL.

XVIII

ALLEGHPNY,

PA.,

APRIL

15, 1897

No. 8

VIEWS

FROM THE

WATCH
Instead, they Phil. 3 : 18. “In

TOWER
are “the enemies of the cross of Christ.“the cross of Christ we glory, Towering o’er the wrecks of time. All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime.”

Rev. Lyman Abbott, D. D., the now widely known “Unbeliever,” was engaged by the “Hicksite Quakers,” of Philadelphia, to deliver a lecture, and the Y. M. C. A. hall w&q The Secretary of the Y. M. C. A. secured for the purpose. concluded from all that he could learn that Dr. Abbott is an “Unbeliever,” and that his use of the hall would not be in the interest of Christianity and the objects of the Y. M. C. A. We quite endorse his judgand cancelled the engagement. ment, altho we well know that such a view of matters will If Satan prebe considered narrow by all “unbelievers.” sented himself in human form, well dressed, as a liberal lecwell fortified with “cunningly turer on “Higher Criticism,” devised fables,” he would find numerous defenders and plenty of willing hearers with “itching ears;” but if our Lord or the Apostles Paul or Peter presented themselves as exponents and defenders of the law and the prophets, and especially of the cross of Christ as the center of the Gosnel and the power of God and the wisdom of God, they would -find few attentive lizitenerx. How we see fulfilling the word of the Lord bv the mouth of the Apostle,- “Th: time will come when they \\ill not endure sound doctrine; but after their own desires shall they gather to themselves teachers,-having itching ears ; and thcv shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall 1~1, turn& unto fables.“l2 Tim. 4 :3, 4. The same oucstion is causing a disturbance amona “ChrisThe next &nvention of this so&&y is to t ian Endeavor&s.” lw held in San Francixco, Cal., in July, and as it his been discovered that a nrominent Evolutionist and higher critic other&e known as’ “modern unbelievers,” has bee; assigned ,I I)rominrnt place in connection with the appointments- for IlllbliC :ititllesses. it is roncluded that himself and others of iike unbelief \\ill endeavor to use the opportunity to make ,I good impression for their cause upon these “Young people.” .\ religions plrq\ colltrorersy has s\)rung up. and considerable hco,lt hns bectn de\clopctl on both sides.
ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

The “Hivksite” branch ot the Quakers, for mhi<+ Dr. Abbott is to speak, utterly repudiates the doctrine of Christ’s vicarious atonement-the ransom. This is in keeping with our observations above. * * * France has begun the manufacture of R new quick-firing gun-the “Caanet.” Tt iq claimed that it will throw a shrapnel shell, loaded with 300 bullets. five times n minute, a distance of about four miles. Other “Christian nations” must similarly prepare to do murder wholrsale. and Germany has already begun work on a soliicwtlnt similar weapon. The time for turniyg all this energy to useful arts of peace is not yet, but it IS near, thank God.
it * l

The Cretan war question is only a part of the Turkish question ; and our remarks on the latter in our View of Nov. 1. ‘96, apply in general to all with which Turkey is related. We do not expect “a general Puropean war which will destroy present civilization”-that destruction is not due vet: but we do expect. no\\ or soon. such a reiirganization of Turkey’b affairs as will open Palestine and permit the return of the Jews as srttler+-forbidden 1)~. Turkey since 1891.
I) l I

This question must yet “shake” Christendom thoroughly ; and no doubt we will surprise many when we declare that, in our understanding of thr Word, the vast majority will be much so t,hat” to “many it zifted out, as “lllll)cliCv~rz”-so uill annear that “the old forrv believers in miracles, and in ttle di&c inspiration of the“‘kcriptures,” have bee& shaken ont ;-because the maqqes mill accept the Evolution-and-uni&cf theory. As usurrl thp adver~nr> will endeavor to becloud the real It will be claimed that rlncstion by sopbistic*al stntemente. th~orp iq thr true, the the evolut ion:lrj 01 “unbelresers” n~oral, the logicnl. the enlightened view; and no doubt some Those left, will even claim that it iq the Scriptural vie\\. raithful to the Bible. will bc the theologically “hard” and . tough” and “unr~asonabl~~ ” coveted all over with barnacles or human error conrerning cllrction. foreortlination, predestinatlon and eternal torment. :1nt1 their false beliefs will not only injure their influence. but will tend to further discredit thk Bible, whirl!. more than clver. will br charged with the inc0nsintmci~*s of every misbelief. And these in turn, realixtheir faith in the Bihle as the ing the effort Co overthro\\ \2’ord of God. \\ill not onlv hold it the farter but also hold the tighter ai1 the humnn falsehootls and inconsistencies attached to their faith in the name ot the Bible, during the Nor can we hope that many of these will get “dark ages.” free from these shackles of error until the fall of Babylon I Rev. 18: l-4) opens their eves to the true situation. However various the forms which the question may take, 11 will nevertheless still be-for the cross or against the cross: soldirars of the rros. or enemies of the cross of Christ,believer in the ~-U~ISONI deniers of the TU?ISO?~~.All the soor called “bigher critics,” or “unbelievers” in the Bible, are of logical necessity believers in Evolution; and all believers in Evolution are of logical necessity deniers of the fact that a rorcsor)~ was given for sinners by our Lord. for they claim that none was necessary. Denying original sin by a fall, and denying a ransom from the condition and penalties of a fall, they are denying the very center of the Gospel-the cross,that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, Hence also they deny and that he rose fol our justtfication. justification by faith and through thr precious blood. (Rom. 5:1, 9) Hence, by whatever name such “unbelievers” are known, as deniers of the very essence of Christianit they are not Christians,-not believers in Christ in the on i y wa) in which belief in him is genuine according to God’s Word.

The Auneblatt, an Austrian military journal. describes a new murder-weapon (for use upon fellow beings of other “Christian ( 9) nations” and against savages. but not, we may presume, to be used against the Turks, so long as they can nav the interest on their bonds). What an amount of human” ingenuity now employed on instruments for murder will be changed to new channels-to bless the already “groaning creation,” when the Priner of Peace shall take control and cause wars to cease unto the ends of the earth!-Psa. 46:6-10.
ILLUSTRATION OF WASTED MENTAL ENERGY

Here is a description of this weapon of dcstruction:“An engine of 16 horse-power actuates a four-wheeled rubber-tired cycle, carrying two rapid-fire guns. These two gUllS, mounted on pivots. one in front. the other in the rear, can each describe a semirirclc, t,he motion being eff&rd automatically. “The discharge is controlled by the motor mechanism itself. and can take place as well when the cycle is in motion as when it is at rest. The number of shots fired per minute can be varied from 50 to 700. The cycle carries 500 projectiles for each gun. “The attendant. seated on the cycle between the two guns, has onlr to train them and then start his engine. He is protected in front and behind bv shields, fixed to the guns. ‘.Thc cycle 11s a whole is also protected against bullets, and even agrlinst small artillery projectiles. Besides, the mechanism of di&arge, acting automatically, keeps on working. even after the attendant is disabled. “On a good, smooth road this cycle can go at a speed of forty-five miler an hour, so that it could outdistance any other kind of artillery. We can hardly imagine the effect that fifty or a hundred of such cycles nm11d produce when all in action at once.” * * * The Glasgow Hctuld (Scotland) gives a lengthy and detailed account of the I\leetinp of the Glasgow Presbytery on March 2, at which thr terms of union with the United Presbyterian church were discussed. We note the growing sentiment favorable to a partial union with the civil government; based upon the erroneous assumption that the kingdoms of this world have become Christ’s kinqtlom, and that he is the Kin,v. Oh! how changed the wo~ld’s affairs will be when Immanuel’x reign has really been inaugurated : “When the kingdom is the Lord’s and he is the governor among the nations.” “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is done in heaven” is still the prayer of those who know the King’s Word.

(113-114)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER a letter to the Queen of Spain urging laws for Cuba and Porto Rico.
l 0 l

r\LLECHENY.

PA.

The following utterance of Dr. Ross Taylor was approved by the Presbytery: Both churches agree that“The great principle of national religion, the principle, namely, that as Christ was King of Nat&m.s, all nations were bound to own him and to have regard to his authority in the making of their laws and in the shaping of their procedure, and not only so, but that all uzre bou?rd-nations and rulersto recognize th& church of Christ and to promote its interests in et;ery zciay consistent with its spirit and enactments. That was the position which they maintained with regard to national religion, and that, he was glad to say, was a position in which their United Presbyterian friends in the conference which had been held thoroughly agreed with them. They were at one on the points as to the duty of nations and rulers to recognize the church of Christ and to promote its intereSts an every wqj consistent with ITS SPIRIT AND ENACTMEXTS:
* * l

peace and very liberal

The spirit of federation is growing rapidly in Great Britain, as the following from the London Daily Chronicle (March 6) shows:“On Monday night the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress will receive at the Guildhall probably as many as 3,000 delegates and renresentatives of the National Council of Evangelical Free ‘Churches which meets in the City Temple, and in the Memorial Hall on the following three days of next week. This is not simnlv the first meetine in London of the National Council. PraXcally it is its fi& formal meeting. Originating in Nov., ‘92, as a ‘Free Church Congress,’ with a lamentably meagre attendance, the movement as a whole illustrates how tremendous may be the development of a very simple proposal. “Thomas Law, organizing secretary, was able to report an enormous erowth in the number of local Non-Conformist councils and county federations, the influence of which it is the object of the National Council to focus upon the religious, social and perhaps even the political life of England. Since last year the associations have increased with still wilder impetuosity, not merely scores but hundreds of them having been surprised into useful existence, in almost an incredible way. On Tuesday morning this National Council will assemble with the commanding authority of delegates to the number of 1,200. and ‘personal members’ probably exceeding that number, representing over 10,000 English evangelical congregations. The churches represented include the Congregationalists, all the Baptist communities, all the Methodist ‘Societies,’ the Presbyterian, Church of England, the Free Episcopal churches, even the Society of Friends, and a host of minor religious bodies-Unitarians, however, being excluded as not conforming to the strict interpretation of the constitution.”
46 l l

The Pope, whose representatives have for some time past been sneciallv blessinn the Snanish war shius as thev left for Cuba, found that”Spain did not get vi&&y as a->esult of his blessings, and now changes his course and poses before the world as the advocate of peace and liberty-sending

The following extracts from a recent speech b-v Lord Salisbury, premier or Great Britain, shows the wisdom of the confusion of the world’s laneuaee for the neriod of the reian of sin and death; and that- present tendekcies toward on; language might work eventual ill, were it not that the kingdom is near at hand. The London Spectator says:“He remarked on the singularly rapid s read of the English race and the English language over t Re surface of our planet, and expressed the belief that what is said in that language will before long be intelligible, and not only intelligible, but actually understood, over almost all the world. And he insisted that this might turn out to be either a great blessing or a great curse, according to the spirit in which those who mold the convictions of the English-speaking races It is, choose to guide the formation of those convictions. in fact, a sort of reversal of the effect which the confusion of tongues,- which is said to have fallen upon the different families of the human race in the vain attempt to build a tower intended to scale the heavens,-was supposed to have In Lord Salisbury’s view the difficulty which difproduced. ferent races have found in mastering each other’s language has not been by any means an unmixed evil. It has served as a kind of non-conductine medium to limit the mischief which irresponsible and mis:hievous talk so often produces. St. James has told us that ‘the tongue can no man tame.’ But what no man can tame may yet to some extent be deprived of its poisonous influence through the difficulty it finds in penetrating the speech of another people of a quite difFor example, we Englishmen have no doubt ferent race. missed the point of perhaps nine-tenths of the French witticisms produced at our expense, while the French have missed the point of even a greater number of foolishly contemptuous phrases in which Englishmen have poured forth their ill-advised conviction of their own immense superiority to Frenchmen. Had this non-conducting medium never existed, can it be doubted that the irritation of France against England and of England against France would often have been far greater than it has been ? . . . . Let English become something like a universal language, and we shall soon find that the velocity with which either clever or ignorant illnature propagates its mischievous influence over the world With the electric telegraph will be indefinitely increased. working in a speech universally understood, words of hasty wrath will have a far more deadly effect than they have now, and we may find ourselves at war before we have had time either to define our purposes or explain our meaning. In short. as Lord Salisburv truly said, the universal currency of the English tongue will produce either a good or a had effect. iust in nronortion to the wisdom or the folly, the self. control or the’ license, of the English-speaking races. . . . . But if Englishmen learn to scream, and Americans to bluster, and public opinion to discharge itself violently in muddy geysers of boiling passion in every separate Colony and State, then the universal spread of English may prove a great calamity and some day issue in a great catastrophe.”

THE
“Gr.uc

KNOWLEDGE

OF GOD-ITS

VALUE

ant1 peace b(* niultiplied unto you, tbrougb the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ our Lord, according as his divine power bath given unto us all things that pertain unto God and life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us by his own glory and virtue. “-2 Pet. 1:2, S-Reading of sinaitic manuscript. The first question coming to us in connection with these “Where is the blessedness I knew, when first I found the Lord ? words of exhortation is, To whom were they addressed ? Are Where is the soul-reviving view of Jesus and his Word ?” these the instructions given to sinners? Is this the way by The prevalent idea amongst this class of Christians might which sinners are to approach to God? No. These instrucbe termed alternate subtractions and additions of grace and tions are addressed to those who are already justified through peace. They first get a blessing, then lose it, then find it faith in the precious blood of Christ, as indicated in the preagain to lose it again, and thus continue. There is a logical They are addressed-“To them who have ceding verse. reason why this course is so prevalent, and why SO few know obtained like precious faith with us [the apostles] through anything about the multiplication which the Apostle here the righteousness of our Lord and Saviour,’ Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace be multiplied unto, you.” The mentions-“ The suggestion clearly is that to become believers in Christ reason is that the majority of Christians lack a knowledge Jesus-even justified and fully consecrated believers-is not of those things which are necessary to preserve to them the sufficient; there is to be a progress in the life just begun grace and peace found through their primary faith in the Lord which will continue as long as we are “in this tabernacle,” as their Redeemer; and much more do they lack a sufficiency and, if faithful, be completed in “the first resurrection.” The of knowledge to multiply their grace and peace. The vast thought of the Apostle is not year by year revivals with year majority occupy the position mentioned by the Apostle Paul by year backslidings, but rather a continued progression in the ( 1 Cor. 3: 1) “I, brethren, could not write unto you as new life. This thought is quite in contradiction of the exunto spiritual, but as unto carnal--even as unto babes in periences of very many who assume the name of Christ, which, Christ; ” “when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have alas! are too often expressed in the lines of the hymn:need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God.“-Heb. 5:12-14. l Readmg of Sinaitic MS. [21361

APRIL

15, 1897

ZION’S

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1114-116)

The Apostle, continuing, assures us that through this knowledge of God is imparted to us as by divine power “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” What an assurance ! This statement of the imnortance of knowledge for our Christian development in ever; direction reminds ‘;s of the words of our Lord, “This is life eternal; that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17 :3) To know God, as the Apostle here explains, signifies an intimate acquaintance with “him that hath called us by his own glory and virtue.” It is only as we realize something of the greatness and perfection of the divine character that we are properly able to estimate our own littleness and imperfection: only as we see the beauties of his gracious character can we become intimately acquainted with God. familiar with his graces and virtues. The influence of this knowledge and fellowship with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, relicts upon our own hearts, and has a cleansing and sanctifying effect. Thus the Apostle prays for some that they might grow in the knowledge of God so as to be able to ““com&ehend with all saints-what is the length and the breadth. the denth and the height of the love of <Christ which passeth [hum&] understanding.” (E,ph. 3: 14-19) Those beholding the divine character, even though but dimly, as through a glass, are thereby changed from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord.-2 Cor. 3:lS. The thought here brought to our attention is well illustrated in the modern art-of photography. In photography there is necessary first of all a sensitized nlate upon which the picture is to’ be reflected. Not any or’ every ‘plate will serve such a purpose, but only one which has been specially prepared. This corresponds to the preparation of our hearts through repentance and justifying faith toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This first step is necessary before we can receive upon our hearts the impress of the divine character, its glory and virtue or strength. The second step is to bring the sensitized plate into good range with the features which are to be imnictured upon it. This represents the proper attitude of heart: winu., full consecration- to the Lord, and a desire to have his will to be our will and to have his character renresentecl in our lives. The third step is the removal of all obscurity, all darkness, allowing the light to shine fullv in unon the features to be copied. This finds its counterpa%t-in the knowledge of God, which, as the light of truth scatters the darkness of error and sin and gives us The true foundatian, upon which we should build, is,clearer views of the divine character, and thus permita it to faith in the righteousness’ of our Lord and Saviour Jesus impress our prepared hearts and to stamp thereon his glorious Christ,-faith that his sacrifice for sin was once for all a full Fourth, the sensitized plate must then 1~ character-likeness. and comnlete ransom mice for Adam and all his posterity, subjected to acids in order to the clearer development of the so that ill of these, as’ in due time they shall be brought to likeness. This also finds its correspondence: for our hearts, a knowledge of Christ, may, if they will, obtain cleansing and after we have gotten a clear view of-the Lord, and been freely eternal life under the gracious terms of the New Covenant. impressed with the glories of his character, require nevcrIt is those who build u;on this foundation that may hope to of life, which, like the acid, on13 theless the “fiery trials” multiply their grace and peace. How? tend to develop the likeness the more perfectly. Fifth (for The Apostle answers~“Through the knowledge of God, it is a well known fact that the correspondence continues), and of .Tesus our Lord.” At first it mav occur to some that althouah nhotoeranhs mav be taken without the use of the this has but a slight meaning, and th& it simnlv signifies precio& metals: gold and usilver, yet only when these are used that we come to know that there is a God, and that-there will the photograph retain its color without fatling. As hereis a Lord and Sariour. Jesus Christ. But the knowledee of tofore seen, gold represents the divine nature, and silver repGod means far more ‘than this to the advancing and deresents the truth: and onlg in proportion as the likeness of veloping Christian: to him it means an intimate ac&.intance our Lord is fixed in our hearts-upon the basis of the truth with the Father and with the Son. a knowledge of the “mind and the divine nature can a lasting likeness be honed fnr.of Christ,” which is a full and clear representation to us of Rom. 8:29. the mind of the Father. We are to grow in this knowledge by studying the Word of God, by discerning through that The world in general, of course, “knows not God,” and Word the principles which govern the divine conduct, as to verv evidentlv the great mass of professing believers know how divine- just&e, wisdom,-love and power operate. These very little about hi& The Apostle Paul explains, that Satan. are nroaressive studies. Somethinn mav be learned the first “the Pod of this world.” is narticularlv interested in hinderday ‘of our Christian experience, b& the end of the first year ing any from obtaining the Xlight upon the Lord’s character should show considerable progress in the knowledge of the and plan necessary to rmpicture it upon their hearts. He dedivine mind: the second vear should show us a still further clares. “The nod of this world hath blinded the minds of them increase, and so on. which’ believz not, lest the glorious light of the gospel of As our intimate knowledge of the divine plan and charChrist (who is the image of -God) should shine unto them.” acter increases, so must also our grace increase: for those who COIL(2 Cor. 4 :4) Here we see the constant and irrepressible do not attempt to come into harmony, step by step, with that flict-the battle of clarkness against the light, as our Lord exwhich they see of the divine character will soon lose interest plained it in his day, saying,‘i’The darkness hateth the light, in such knowledge, while those who have the interest which neither comcth to the light.” But all who receive and reioice leads to further and further study must of necessity be 7 In and obey the light &e the “children of the light ;““and ing in grace continually. And as they grow in grace, s&To after the image of the Lord has been impressed upon their will they grow in peace; for peace also is a progressive thing. hearts, such become light-bearers to others and so shine forth We had peace when first we found the Lord and realized the upon all with whom they come in contact, reflecting the light forgiveness of our sins; but those who have made progress which is shining upon them from the divine source unseen in the knowledge of the divine nlan and character have found and unappreciated by the world. their peace to be an ever-increasing one; and those who have At present the infiticnce of these lights is but small in advanced some distance in the good way can speak of it in comparison with what it will be hereafter. Now, the Lord’s the language of the apostles and realize it in their hearts people are like lights set upon a hill whirh cannot be hid, as being “the peace of Gad whirl] p:lSseth all unclerstanding.JY and pet their influence upon the world is comparatively small. 121371
0

An error on one subject often leads to many errors on many subjects; and so it is in this case: the doctrine of eternal torment as the penalty for the fall, from which only believers will escape, has distorted the judgment and misdirected the efforts of many of the Lord’s people. With some of the most earnest the first thought is personal escape from eternal torment, and naturally the second thought is to help as many others as possible to escape such an awful eternity. With this thought as the mainspring of conduct, we cannot wonder that by such chief attention is naid to “saving sinners” and bringing them into the condition of “babes in”Christ.” But after they become babes comparatively little is done to develop them in the knowledge of God, that they may grow up into the full stature of manhood in Christ. As babes they are continually fed upon the milk, and hence are unused to the strong meat, so that when they do attempt its use. thev are more‘likely to be choked by it ihan to be strengthened. 1 The Apostle noints out the nroner course bv which the believer, having made a proper &art, shall continue onward and upward in his Christian development-multiplying his grace and his neaee. It is all-imnortant. however. that he begin right, that he be truly begotten “bv the word of truth,” “the faith once delivered unto the saints”-which the Apostle here terms “vrecious faith.” This is not the faith nromulI gated by the ‘higher critics. Their faith is far from precious. Their faith denies the fall, denies the ranc;om and all necessity for it, and consequently clenies the resurrection based upon that ransom. Their faith consists in believing in their own judgments as the criterion\ of what is truth and what is error, ant1 in doubting the testimony of Moses and the prophets, of the Lord and the apostles. Such a faith is not the “wetio~ls faith.” is not “the faith once delivered unto the saints.” And those who are building unon such a faith are not of those here atltlressecl by the Al&.tle. and we need not expect that either their grace or their peace will be multiplied. We trust, however, thnt the majority of our readers are of those who can sing with the spirit and the understanding also,“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness ; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on .JCSIIR’ name. On Christ. the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand.”

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for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.” Another . “To him that ovcrcometh I will give power over the na&is”-authority, dominion as “kings and priests unto God” to “reign on the earth.” Another is that these kings and priests will reign to bless, as it is written, “In thy Seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Another promise is that Israel accordin to the flesh shall yet obtain mercy and blessing through tR e mercy of these things and priests of the Gospel age.-Rom. 11:32. Finally, all of these exceeding great and precious promises are summed UD bv the Anostle in his declaration that. through this knowl;dgi of God and through the influence oi these precious promises, it is God’s will that we who by nature were children of wrath even as others “mi.ght become partakers of tlte divine nature.” Oh, what a rmh promise is here! How exceedingly great and precious! Who could have thought such a thing? Our highest thought might possibly have been perfection of the human nature, the earthly imsge of God, or perhaps, as some have sung, we might want to be angels and with the angels stand. But although angelic nature is higher than human nature, our God has not been content with offering to the “elect” church angelic nature, but in the riches of his grace and wonderful provision he has far outdone the highest flight of human fancy and has promised that the overcommg church, the “little flock,” to whom it is his good leasure to give the kingdom, the bride, the Lamb’s wife, sha P be exalted to share the divine glory and divine 1 nature of her Lord, as well as to share his heavenly kingdom. Such knowledge is too wonderful for us: we cannot comprehend why our great Creator should exalt to his own nature such poor, helpless creatures of the dust as we by nature are. But this and all the other gracious promises exhibit to us more and more the heights and depths, the lengths and breadths, of the love of our God, which surpasses human knowledge. In view of what we already know of our Creator, especially as revealed to us in and through our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus, shall we not, as those who have come to see something of his glorious character, “press toward the mark” (Phil. 3 : 14) for the attainment of all that he may be pleased to reveal to us concerning himself, that thus we may be more and more nartakers of his snirit, more and more conformed to his likeness, more and more ‘acceptable, and by and by be actuallv and everlastinelv accented in the Beloved. to the full reali&ion of all thos~blessings which God has in reservation for them who love him, and of which now we have the exceeding great and precious promises? Such nromises and such knowledge properly inspire our hearts to ‘love, obedience and self-sacrl%ce; that we may please him who has called us to his own nature and fellowshin: and, as the Apostle says, “He who hath this hope in him puri5eth himself, even as he [the Lord] is pure.” It was to this intimate knowledge of or acquaintance with the Lord and its reward that the Apostle Paul referred, say. -“That I might know hint and [experience] the power Ffgxis resurrection rthe first or chief resurrection, bvl being made- [fully] conformable unto his death [-whidh >ull SUM render is possible to those only who Iznow him well and have drunk in his spirit].“-Phil. X:10.

It is still true of the body of Christ as it was true of the Head, “The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” But of the by and by it is written, “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father:” “The Sun of rinhteousness shall arise with healing in his beams.” This wilThe the great Millennial day; and ai a result of the shining forth of >he elect church, we are assured that all darkness will disaDnear and the light of “the knowledge of the Lord shall 511 thb’whole earth.” Proceeding, the Apostle assures us that, in order to the attainment of this intimate knowledge of God which multiplies our grace and peace and gives us all things that $-tain to life and godliness, God has “given unto us excee mg great and precious promises.” Looking about us, we 5nd that the maioritv of our fellow-Christians in the world, even of those who h&e the “precious faith” and trust in the “ recious blood,” must be “babes” in even elementary knowle 1ge; for evidently they do not know much concerning these exceeding great and precious promises. If we would inquire of them with reference to these promises, the vast majority would answer-We shall escape eternal torment and get to heaven. And many would add, If I can get just inside the door of heaven, it will be all I could ask or hope for. What? Do they know nothing of the “exceedin great and precious promises” mentioned by the Apostle? A 7as! apparently very little. But what are these promises, and who have knowledge of them? Only those who are following in the pathway which the Apostle here marks out; who multiply their grace and peace, though an ever-increasing, intimate knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,-those who are seeing more and more clearly the divine character and lan, and-whose hearts are in a suscentible and imnressionab P attitude. and upon which e is being fimed more and more distinctly the image of God’s dear Son, who is the express image of the Father. (Rom. 8:29) Before these, shining out as helps by the way, in letters of light, are the “exceeding great and precious promises” of God’s Word, which to other hearts are unilluminated. dark and almost meaningless. Which and what are these promises? Oh, they are so many and so precious that it is difficult to know which would rank first. Perhaps first of all is the precious promise, “It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him. for we shall see him as he is.” Another is, “If I go away, I will come again, and receive you unto myself ;” in harmony with which is the prayer, “Father, I will that these may be with me, where I am, that they may behold my glory.” Another is, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Another is, “They shall be Anmine . . . . in that day when I make up my jewels.” other is, “Our light a5iiction, which is but for a moment, and eternal weight of worketh for us a far more exceedin Another is, that we are “ %* errs of God, joint-heirs glory.” with Jesus Christ, our Lord, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Another is, that we are “Begotten again to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven

THE

BLESSED

PEOPLE

OF GOD

“Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“-Matt. 5:3. to be led of his It is only when, as faithful and obedient children of God, irit while they continue to partake of the spirit of the worl we reverently turn the sacred pages of his holy Word and read them as a loving epistle from our faithful God, full of wisdom and counsel and wholesome instruction, that we gather from it all the refreshment of divine grace contained in it. Thus, for instance. in the first lines of our Lord’s sermon on the mount, heavenly love breaks forth in showers of blessing“Blessed.” “blessed.” “blessed are ve!” Who are the blessed ones thus addressed? Are they the holy angels who do always behold the Father’s face? Truly they are blessed; but righteousness: for the merciful ; for the pure in heart, the these words were not addressed to them, but to the redeemed pe&emakers, and the reviled and persecuted for righteousness’ sons of men-to men rescued from the fall, whose feet were sake: for those whom the Lord calls “the salt of the earth” taken out of the miry clay and set upon a rock, and in whose mouth is put the new song of praise and thanksgiving for reand “the light of the -world.” Blessed, yes, blessed are ye Yours is the kingdom of heaven; you of the Lordvof hosts! deeming love and grace. shall inherit the earth: vou shall be comforted; YOU shall be “Blessed are ye!” Do the blessings belong to all who filled with the Spirit of” God ; you shall obtain -mercy; YOU have ever to any extent tasted of the favor of God? Do they shall see God, and shall be called the children of God; your belong to the pardoned sinners who, after being pardoned reward in heaven is great; you shall by and by he as a city and cleansed, like the nine lepers of whom the Lord spoke, set on a hill that cannot be hid. “Rejoice, and be exceeding returned not again to give God the glory? Do they belong glad ;” for these heavenly benedictions are upon your heads. to those who do not follow on to know the T,ord,-who decline [2138]

.ZPRIL15, 1897

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(118-119)

The result ici inharmony with the general spirit of this present evil world. And together with the heavenly desires and aspirations there must be a meek and contrite spirit-a “Blessed are the poor in spirit” nliable. teachable disposition. -the jowly in mind: the studious, teachable ones. Such the Lord ran and will lead bv his snirit into the paths of righteousness, and finally into the glory of his kingdom:-“Th<irs is the kingdom of heaven.” 0 that our dull souls may awake more fully to all that Let us meditate is implied in this promise of the kingdom! upon it more and more, until the glorious hope inspires to faithful endurance of hardness under all circumstances as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. How large a place did the things pertaining to the kingdom of God occupy in the preaching of Jesus and the apostles ! Indeed, the whole message of divine inspiration contained in the New Testament was briefly comprehended in that expression of our Lord-“This Gospel of the The entire work of this Gospel age was to be the kingdom.” oreachinn of this kingdom,-“This gospel of the kingdom shall be”preached in air the -world, fo; a-witness unto all nations: and then shall the end [the harvest of the age] come.” (Natt. 24: l-1) This gospel-this good news-of the coming kingdom of God, wit< ail that pertains to it, was the constant theme of the Lord and the anostles:-“Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teach&g in their synagogues and preathing the Gospel of the kingdom.” And he commissioned his d~sqles, saying, “As ye go. preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.“-Matt. 10:7. We read nothing in the New Testament of any departure on the part of the early disciples from this blessed theme of the gospel of the kingdom to the preaching of a mere lifeless morality, or of politics, or of any other theme; but the prosoective kinPtlom of God. its sure foundation in Christ the kedeemrr. its universal dominion. its unlimited authority, its righteous character and requirements, the holiness that alone can inherit or enter into it, and the glory and blessedness to come in it and through it. were constantly held before the people to the exclusion of all side issues. This is the kingdom to be inherited by the poor in spirit;
” I

L

for only the poor in spirit-the humble, teachuble ones-can submit to the discipline and training necessary to fit them for it. The heady, the high-minded, the proud, the self-conscious and self-right&us have no promise of the kingdom, and cannot inherit it. nor enter into it; for “there shall in no wise enter into it’ any thing that de5leth.” (Rev. 21:27) SO, altho in the present age many of these are esteemed of men as the aristocracy of the earth, they will not be the aristocracy of the new dispensation; but the poor in spirit will reign with Christ for the blessing of all the families of the earth. And even now, in God’s estimation, these constitute the embryo kingdom, and God is in the midst of them, and his law is es“The Lord in nigh unto them that tablished in their hearts. are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” “Tho the Lord be high, yet bath he respect unto the lowly; but the proud he knoweth afar off.” “For thus saitb the high and loftv One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holv. I dwell’in the high and holy place, with him also that i; of a contrite and humble spirit; tb revive the spirit OF the humble. and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” “Thus saith’tbe T,ord. The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house [the temple] tnat ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? . . . . but upon such a one will I look. upon the poor, and him who is of a contrite spirit. and who trembleth at my word.“-Psa. 34:lS; 138:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:i, 2. This is the kingdom class. the temple claqs, the beloved of the Lord with whom he is pleased to dwell. Like this Master, they are often lightly esteemed among men of the world, and perhaps despised among the multitudes who professed?y are the Lord’s people, but whose hearts and minds are at111 engrossed with worldly things; but they are the prospective kings and priests of the new dispensation, and their lowly estgte in thh present life is only their neressary discipline 6 fit them for the glory and service of the time to come. These are the living stones now being shaped, chiseled awl polished for their placeR in the glorious temple of God, the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Blessed indeed are $1. F. RI’SSELC. the poor in spirit with such a heritage!

PETER
“The angel of the Iard encampeth

DELIVERED
APBIL 25.-Acts

FROM PRISON
12 :5-17. them.“-Psa. 34:i.

round about them that fear him. and delivereth

and Peter were apparently the principal leaders in tbe affairs Following the history of the early church, we now come The former persecution of the church at Jerusalem, as they two with John, the upon another period of persecution. brother of James, were the most prominent amongst the apoqseems to have passed bv the principal ones of the church enWe can imagine the consternatles while our Lord lived. tirely. It manifested &self against ordinary believers rather tion--dames alreadv dead. Peter seized and imprisoned and than against the apostles and public ministers. The result, his execution held “over merelv because it was ‘the week of as we have seen, was the spread of the Gospel by those who The persecution now Passover, and because according to Jewish custom no one were “scattered abroad everywhere.” Both persecould be nut to death durine that week. The manifest, if considered wa* direrted against the apostles. not declarkd, intention of H&od was that Peter should’ be cutions were from the adversary and his faithful, but were such only as God saw best to permit, and such as would work killed in some manner immediately after the close of the Passover week. out some good in connection with his plan. Here we pause to notice a strange commingling of religious formalism with the spirit of murder: During the reign of the Roman Emperor Caligula the Jews were keci in a cousiderable ferment- by reason of his rethe spirit of murder was in Herod and in the Jews, yet neated attemnt to hare hizi statue set UP in the temple, with both for the time restrained themselves in order to symgltars for thk worship of himself. While the Jews- w&e SO bolize by the Passover ceremonial a cleansing of the heart busy in defending their own religious liberties, the infant and life, a purification toward God. There is a lesson here Christian church was left comparatively unmolested; but now (for all who will take it) to be on guard lest the outward Caligula was tltlnd, and a very different personage was his and formal observances be an utter contradiction of the real successor, and the Jews having a respite from troubles of their condition of the heart. While obedience to the Lord in outown, had good opportunity to cultivate their animosity against ward observances is eminently proper, it is still more imthe followers of the Nazarene. King Herod Agrippa, having portant that the thoughts be pure and good. been obliged to coiiperate with the Emperor’s pi&s, had made By this time the number of Christians in Jerusalem was himself more or less obnoxious to his subjects. the Jews, evidently considerable, notwithstanding the number that had and he now sought to conciliate them, by persecuting the emigrated on account of persecution: and it does not at all Christians. This Herod agrippa was a worthy successor to surprise us that we are informed that these everywhere were hi9 uncle, who had murdered John the Baptist, and to his praying to God on Peter’s behalf. There were evidently no grandfather, Herod the Great, who murdered the infants at church buildings in use by the Christians up to this time: Bethlehem. His first object was personal aggrandisement and they gathered in convenient places, and quite probably there the perpetuation of his own family in the kingdom. His were several of these in Jerusalem The earnestness of these public acts, on the one hand, were intended to continue him prayers is evidenced by the fact that they were kept up ull in favor with the Emperor at Rome, and on the other hand, night, and evidently for the entire week of Peter’s imprisonto gain as much favor as possible from the people whom he ment; for he was not delivered until the very last night, and, ruled as king-an representative of the Emperor. when delivered, it was some time in the “fourth watch,” which The perserution began with the killing of the Apostle .Tnmes. began at three o’clock in the morning, and he was knocking Seeing that thereby he gained the favor of the Jews, Herod at the “gate” of Mary’s borne, where prayer was being made, thought it the cheapest method by which to regain popularity before sunrise.-Verse 13. with his subiects and nroceded to take Peter also. What We cannot know just why the Lord permitted the death a sad blow &is must h&e been to the early church ! James 121391

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of *James and spared the life of Peter; yet, doubtless, both events exercised a beneficial influence upon the church. POSsibly, indeed, there may have been growing in the church a lack of appreciation of these apostles whom the Lord had so highly honored as his mouthpieces and channels for blessmg the church. The martyrdom of one would cause his loss to be seriously realized, the imprisonment of the other would and did draw forth the sympathy, love and appreciation of the whole company; and after they had prayed so earnestly for hi, deliverance, we may be sure that Peter was more than ever beloved by the Lord’s flock. At all events, the death of one nnd the sparing of the other, we may be sure, were parts of the all things that worked together for good to those who loved the Lord. Meantime, Peter had been delivered to four quaternions of soldiers (i. e., four relief guards of four soldiers each) : two of these watched in the ou’ter courts of the prison, while two of them were chained to Peter in the cell. Thus. seemindv. every precaution had been taken against his escaiei He ohid INY*I) delivered once before from the prison into which he had IICVII thrust. by the Sanhedrin, but now he was under military gu;1rtl. probilbly in the Tower of Antonio, and chained to ~olrliers who knew that under Roman usage his escape would III(VII~ their death. The entire week had been spent in prayer on hi4 hehnlf, yet the Lord had not delivered him, and each da> seemed to add to the earnestness of the prayers, and to the necessity for the deliverance; . yet knowing the circumstance it was difficult to judge m which way the Lord’s providence would be interposed on Peter’s behalf, if at all. Since the Lord had seen best to permit the death of James, they muqt have reasoned that they could not be at all certain that Peter would be delivered from death. How great and how far-reaching were the blessings of that week of trial nnd of power, of drawing near to the Lord and of realization of complete dependence upon him, we may surmise. The Lord was pleased in his providence to spare Peter to the church, but he was also evidently pleased to be inquired of by thr church on this subject.
PETER ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING

enemies-Herod and the Jews. But he neither went back to taunt the soldiers, nor was he filled with self-admiration and self-confidence, so as to shout his deliverance on the way; but considering the matter carefully he concluded that his proper course would be flight to somk other city, as the Lord had directed, saying, “When they shall persecute you in one city flee to another.” But as a true under-shepherd he had too deep an interest in the Lord’s people who were so earnestly praying for him, to leave them without some explanation: so. going to the house of one of the friends of the cause, he communicated to them the fact of his release, sent word to the leaders of the cause in the city-“James and the brethren”and then fled to another place. This James was the brother of our Lord, while the James who had been killed was the Anostle, the brother of John. The fact that James and the prbminent brethren were not at the house of Mary and her son John-Mark would seem to corroborate the thought that the meeting at the latter place was only one of many in Jerusalem. The narrative of Peter’s knocking at the door and the interruption of the craver meeting, with the announcement of thi answer of th’e prayers in a’. most remarkable manner, is all told with a beautiful simplicity, and indicates to us the loving spirit of fellowship and brotherhood which existed in the early church.
MINISTERINC3 SPIRITS UNTO THE SAINTS

LIowever, even on the last night of his imprisonment, though he r\-petted that the next morning Herod would call fol him to deliver him up to death, notwithstanding all this, “P&r slept.” His noble, courageous heart was fixed upon the Lortl. IIt, trusted in divine wisdom and divine power and divine love, and was assured that nothing would be permitted to happen that would not be in some manner overruled for his all to the Lord, he was able good. Hence, rommitting X0 rest nwertly in sleepy Here was the a pfopriate order of things: thr one directly involved so sweet P resting in the y Lord’s grac(b and love that he was free from trouble and fear. while the church in general, though not so directly and ersonnllv conrcarned, were so full of lovine interest on be Ralf of a 6lother that they prayed without c&sing day and night on his behalf. What they asked we are not told, but what they should ask under such circumstances we may well know from our Lord’s own prayer (M&t. 26:39-42) : whatever they asked, in propriety n&c have included the thought and th> c\-nreasion-Thv <ill. not ours. 0 Lord. be done. ’ When the a&e1 awakened eeter, loosed his fetters, opened the strongly btlrred gates of the prison and brought- him forth into the street, he left him, having accomplished his mission. P&r. amazed and bewildered, could scarcely realize at first whether it was a reality or a vision; but as he got his s(hnse< collected he comnrehended that God had wrought fol him another wnnderful deliverance from the hands of his

The Golden Text carries a great lesson of its own in conThe Scriptures give us nection with Peter’s deliverance. clearly to understand that the angels of God are “ministering for them who shall be heirs spirits sent forth to minister Very seldom have they been of salvation.” (Heb. 1: 14) manifested to any as in this recorded instance; yet they are present as the representatives of the Lord to do any needed work for us according to his will. But we are to understand that the angel of the Lord was with James who was killed, as truly as with Peter who was delivered; and that the deliverance of God’s people is not always such as can be appreciated by the natural senses. Sometimes the angel of the styength to brd is prksent with us and grants sustaining Such was endure a trial from which we are not delivered. our Lord’s case: we read that an angel appeared unto him and strengthened him. Such was probably the ministration of angels to James in his time of sore distress, when his life was yielded up to a murderer. Such also have been the experiences of many: the angel of the Lord has stood with them and has stremrthened where he was not authorized to deliver. It is recorded that many Christian martyrs were so upheld and blessed, that even h the midst of hersecution, torture and flames. thev were able to sine nraises to the Lord. It is related bf Bishop Latimer tha<Ghen bound to the stake he said to Bishop Ridley, speaking with great equanimity respecting his own suffering, “We shall light such a candle. by God’s grace, in England this day, as I trust shall never be put out again.” How it enlarges the confidence of a Christian to realize that whilst earthly powers may be in opposition, and whilst he may be really of himself powerless to resist adversaries. and whilst in addition to the flesh and blood adversaries he may realize that he battles also with spiritual wickedness in Satan and his minions of darknessexa”lted places -against vet that. on the other hand, “greater is he that is on our part than all that be against ui,” and that all the heavenly hosts are subject to the divine will and may be employed for the advancement of the divine cause according to divine wisdom.

PAUL’S

FIRST

MISSIONARY

TOUR

MAY 2.-Acts With this lesson we leave the parent church at Jerusalem, and the later church at Antioch, and start with the Apostle Paul upon what is termed the first missionary tour. Really, however, nearly all of the work thus far done might be said to be of the nature of missionary work. Our Lord’s work nmnngst the dews was in the nature of a missionary work. The work which began with the day of Pentecost amongst the .Jews was in the nature of missionary work. The work done by those who were scattered abroad as the result of persecution in Judea was in the nature of missionary work. The And so the church at Antioch was itself a mission church. missionary journey of the Apostle Paul should not be considered in the light of speoial mission work, as that term is used today (not a mission to savages and barbarians), but rather as R p:lrt of the whole work, which the Lord was

13 : 1-13. pleased to specially bless and use in the establishment of the truth in various quarters distant from Jerusalem. In a previous lesson we saw the progress made by the Christians at Antioch under the instruction of the ho1 Spirit through Barnabas and Paul. And this is corroborate ay by the testimony of this lesson that the church at Antioch was in a healthful condition, spiritual and full of zeal for the spread of the Gospel. It had in it by this time several persons of ability and full consecration whom the Lord was pleased to use in connection with its ministry; and the time had come when Paul and Barnabas could be spared to go elsewhere,; to start others in the good way; and the holy Spirit indicated that this should be done. How this was indicated we are not informed, and we will not speculate concerning it. Suffice it that the church understood the directions of the [ 21401

APRIL

15,

1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(121-122)

holy Spirit and obeyed them, Barnabas and Paul being agreedoor of opportunity for engaging in the Lord’s service, faithable also. Barnabas is mentioned first in the record because fulness to it is essential to progress; and there is a further u to this time he had the more prominent position, as being lesson that if we find that we have erred and been unapprethings and perhaps also older oP der than Paul in s iritual ciative of our privilege the best thing to do is to repent in years. While Pau P was “a chosen vessel” unto the Lord, therefor and seek a renewal of the opportunities, and to atprepared for a great service, it had not yet been fully manitest our loyalty by fresh and increased earnestness. fest that he was the Lord’s choice to fill the place of Judas, The Gospel heralds continued on their journey through the twelfth apostle. the Island of Cyprus, until at Paphos they came in contact Apparently Barnabas and Paul were sent forth at the with a new experience. There Satan has a soecial servant. expense or charges of the church at Antioch. and hence went a spirit-medium, a sorcerer, and false teach&. This man faith as their representatives, as well as representatives of had ingratiated himself with the chief government official the Lord. The imnortance of the matter was appreciated. and of that place, and when the latter was beine reached bv the the dependence of ihe mission upon divine bless& was r&ogGospel &essage the sorcerer opposed it, reaRzing that “there nized in the fasting and prayer and outward man<festation of can be no harmony between light and darkness, between the appointment by laying on of hands. This laying on of hands Spirit of Christ and the spirit of demons, and that if the to preach, for Barnabas was not by way of iving authority deputy governor became a follower of Christ and imbued with and Paul had alrea If v been teachine in various auarters for his Spirit, he would be proportionately out of harmony with some years, and had ‘been teaching chhe church at *Antioch for spirit mediumship and sorcery and all the evil works of the over a year: it was therefore merely a ceremony by which flesh and the devil. It was a peculiar case, such as apthe missionaries and the church undertaking their support parently had not previously been presented; it was a contook cognizance of each other as representatives and repretention between truth and error and the servant of truth But while sented in this special work about to be begun. and the servant of error. It was just such a case as was accepting the commission of the Antioch church, as its repneeded to bring forward the Apostle Paul’s grand traits of resentatives, the missionaries sneciallv recomized that they character : opposition only made him the stronger by arouswere sent forth by the holy Spjrit.-verse ‘i. ing him fully to the necessity of the case. More than this, Thev had not gone far before thev beaan the work which although he had alreap? been made the reci ient of certain lay so &ear to theyr hearts ;- the nre’achi& of God’s message, ly “gifts” of the holy Splrlt, he was now specia P imbued with of- good tidings of great joy, of r&onciliarion effected by the divine power, as is here indicated by the Greek text; and precious blood of Christ. Thev did not PO to heathen oeonle, acting under the direction of this holy power which possessed but went to sow the seed of the kingdog in already prkpaked him, he pronounced against Elymas the scathing rebuke and soil: they went. first of all, as in every place, to the Jews sentence of blindness, whirh we have rrcbordcd in this week’s who for sixteen hundred years had been under the law as a lesson. The pious school-master to prepare them to receive Christ. The deputy, who was evidently honest-hearted and sincere Gentiles who were “feeling after God, if haply they might find in his desire to know the truth. was thus convinced of the him,” and who had some knowledge of the God of Israel, fretruth, and embraced the Gospel. From this time onward quently attended these Jewish synagogues, and hence in going Paul takes his place as the chief one in the work: hereafter to these the missionaries, Barnabas and Paul, were reaching it is Paul and Barnabas or Paul and his company. It is the best prepared and most religious element in everv place. quite probable that it was a failure to recognize the Lord’s The liberality of the management of the Jewish iyiagogues leading in connection with the Apostle Paul and his leaderis attested bv the fact that the Gosnel cot a readv hearing ship as an apostk of this branch of the work, and through m all of theYnl up to the point wher’e -th;y realized” that th< family sympathy with his uncle Barnabas, that John Mark message was likely to produce a division in their midst. If here deserted the work. the *Jewish synagogues and Christian churches today were The spiritual lesson here, for us all, is ( 1) that the Lord conducted on a similarly liberal basis, and gave opmrtunity himself is at the helm and directing his work, and that each for the presentation of -any subject that co;ld be- presented and all of us should continually look to him for the guidance from the Scriptures and in harmonv with the Scrintures. the of his work and to note how he is leading the various mempresent missidnary work of dissem&ating the presint harvest bers in the bodv ( 1 Cor. 12 :25-31) : (2) the lesson teaches us truth would be very much simplified. While today we are the Lord’s wifi respecting the prdmuigation of the Gospel: less subject to the violent persecution, on the other hand we the Golden Text chosen is snuriousare seriously handicapped by prevailing conditions and sec- for altho unfortunatelv not found in old man&&ipte (Mark 16:O to end, &ing omittarian bondage. ted by all old manuscripts-See also Revised Version),-John-Mark, the nephen of Barnabas, is here introducetl nevertheleax, the same thought, that It is the will of God to us; not as a third laborer in the special work of ministry that the Gospel should be preached everywhere, is abundantly of the truth, but as an assistant or servant to Barnabas and taught in other places (Matt. 28319) and enforced by this Paul. In this as in every place the Scriptures, while teaching very lesson under consideration. We see from it, too, that that all believers are “brethren” and “fellow-heirs.” nevertheless repudiate entirely the thought entertained by ROIII(~ while certain qervants are chosen and indicated by the Lord for certain special services, vet others are permitted to serve today that all brethren are exactly on an equality ih ever) as did Mark; and still oth&:s may serve thk church at home, matter. Very properly Mark did not say--“If I cannot go as did Simeon and Lucius and ManaBn. and that still otherson an equalltv with Barnabas and Paul, I will not 80 at all.” the entire church-are privileged to c&operate in the matter Very properly he did say that if there is any o;portunity of sympathy, love, prayers, hospitality and financial susfor service, if by any means I can render any assistance in tenance.-Rom. 12 :6-13. the journey and affairs of these whom the holv Spirit has Circumstances have since greatly changed. and we are not indicated is special representatives, I shall bi mbst glad to be confined to exactly the same methods of procedure now to serve them, and thus serve indirectlv the Lord and his as then; but the inherent principles are the same. We neither cause. And there were opportunities, & there are alwavs wear the same kind of clothing, nor travel in the same kind opportunities for those who have a will to serve the causk; of vessels, nor are we supported in exactly the same manner. and no doubt Barnabas, and es ecially Paul, received many But with all of these variances the same service is now due helps from their younger brot K er who had become the& to be performed; namely. the preaching of the gospel to all servant chiefly from his desire to serve the cause of Christ. who have “ears to hear.” With the Gospel presented on No douht also their opportunities for public ministry of the the printed page, and with present mail and rail facilities, truth were enlarged and broadened by his helpful assistance a very much larger number may become public missionaries, in secular affairs. Paul especially constantly needed a helper, going from place to place, holdmg up the lamp of life, carrybecause of his thorn in the flesh, his weak eves. ing the good tidings from door to door. The same agencies Mark’s faithful service continbed for some” time, but for make it possible for those who must remain at home and who some reason (verse 13) not stated he left the work, and we can use the mails to thus go about doing good, preaching may judge very nearly lost his privilege and opportunity in Christ and his kingdom and its righteousness. Others in turn connection with it. No one knows how much he may have can go about preaching orally as well as circulating the printed lost of spiritual blessing and privilege by hia failure to conpage-“every man according to his several ability.” (Matt. tinue with Paul. The disagreement, whatever it may have 25 : 15 ) We who are living today have special opportunities been, apparently extended to his uncle Barnabas, and eventuOur and privileges for ministering the truth to others. ally led to the separation of the latter from Paul. However, responsibility is correspondingly large, and our faith and years afterward John-Mark apparently saw things in a diflove and zeal should be correspondingly shown; for he who ferent light, and again joined Paul’s company. He seems to have ultimately become a true yoke-fellow, very highly appreloves much and who has many opportunities will surely do much for him who has called 11~ out of darkness into his ciated by the great Apostle. (Col. 4: 10 ; 2 Tim. 4: 11) Here is a suggestion to all of us that, no matter what may be the marvelous light. 121417

INTERESTING
District of Columbia. DEAB BB~THEB RUSSELL .-I . have just received a letter from our beloved Brother Lundy, in which he tells me that you are preparing a tract for the Hebrews. I am so delighted over the news that I cannot keep myself from writing a few May the Lord bless you and develop in you a true, words. sincere and earnest love to his people which he formed for himself to show forth his praise (Isa. 4’2)) and who through the erroneous teachings of the apostate church were led to believe that Christianity is only another form of idolatry, and blasphemed and rejected the “only name given among men whereby we must be saved,” and the great blessings of the gospel. Tell my dear brethren boldly and lovingly of the true Christian creed : We trust in the living God, who is the saviour of all men. esneciallv of those who believe (1 Tim. 4:lO) ; that “By his knowlidge shall my righteous ‘servant justify many, for he shall bear-their iniquities” (Isa. 53: 11) ; that we Christians do not make the law of God void,-but establish the law (Rom. 3:31) ; and that The letter killeth, but the spirit quickeneth. Yours in the love of the Lord and his people. CIIAS. s. LAnOFISH.

LETTERS

move us, for we know in whom we have believed, and that he is more than all they who are against us. It is a strange thing that our opposers do not try to show wherein we have retrograded in life and action, but put forth all their efforts to show what a fearful thing it is to leave the church. To leave the church is a sure passport to perdition, and a man must be bad when he leaves the church, altho he neither swears, deals falsely with his neighbors or in any way deviates from the best standard of correct living, but on the other hand has an increased love for and faith in God’s Word, diligently studies it to find out God’s perfect will and earnestlv strives dailv to brine his life and conduct to harmonize with that Word. y Yet here& is the evidence that human nature is still the same, perverted and unregenerated and far below the standard of perfect human nature. What a glorious reality is the religion of Jesus Christ!glorious in its contemplation, glorious in its possession, glorious when we can get but one to espouse it, yet more glorious in its after-fruits, when we (the church) shall have the privilege of instructing, guiding, controling and leading our friends (now enemies) back to righteousness and to God during the space of a thousand years. We are content to do the Master’s will in any way it may be required, and are rejoicing at the prospect of the progress of truth, and if need Ontat-io. be are willing to suffer for it. May God keep us humble, willing and obedient. DEAR BBOTIIE~ AND SISTEB RUSSELL:-I have been inYour brother in Christ, an ardent follower of the Lamb, tending for some time to write you, but hitherto have had J. E. ANOER. nothing new to add to the same old story of the amazing love I am still holding on the same place of of God for man. Texas. anchor-the ransom for all, the rock Christ Jesus. -For the DEAR BBOTHEB RUSSELL:-It has been a long time since past six years I thought, like Elijah of old, that I was the I wrote to you, tho I have often thought of doing so. I was onlv one in this nlace that cared for God, and that (typically indeed pleased t,o learn of the opportune and powerful supspeaking) many&were seeking my life;. but the good Lord port reEeived by the Society, and -that it will be well spent has shown me that I was mistaken. During last Summer is a foregone conclusion with me. In the TOWEB you strike Brother Wiltze moved to this town, and w: at once met the keynote; you are building on the Rock, “and the gates of regularly for communion and study. . Through him I learned hell shall not prevail against it.” How easy and natural for that one of the members of the official board of the MethoThank God. most of them know our poor race to err now! dist church with me when I resigned from the board and not what thev do ! In Feb. 15 issue you make so clear the withdrew from the church was now’ reading DAWN and quite flood that is “sweeping away what littie faith nominal Chrisinterested in its teachine. This brother had the DAWN at tians have. It illustrates, “Take away from him that hath the time I left-the church, but on the advice of the Minister not, and give to him that bath;” or, as expressed in Luke he laid it away as a dangerous book. I called to see him and that he bath.” 8 : 18, margin, “even that he thinketh found both him and his wife much interested. After that they I want to call vour attention to the last chapter of Micah, met with Bro. Wiltze and myself until they removed to near [We think the and invite your c&icism on my applications. Boston, and I am informed that they meet regularly with the suggestions are good.-EmTon.] Verse 1 seems to apply brethren in Boston. This greatly encouraged us to persevere to the true church; vs. 3 is a picture of the present unbearin the work. able corruption in governments and the operation of trusts; Two weeks ago I stepped into the butcher shop of a vs. 4 refers to the nominal church: verses 5 and 6 are adstranger to me to purchase a piece of meat, and while getting dressed to the “little flock,” as in Luke 21 :lO; VS. 7 is utI said, yes. it ready he asked me if my name was Snger. tered by them, as is vs. 8. And here is where it seems to me He said he had heard of me as a reader of MILLENNIAL DAWN a partial darkness and confusion comes over them, so that and that he had also been reading it. I asked, How do you she that is the enemy could bring a reproach. I would also His reply was that it was the only satlike its teachings? like you to notice vs. N-the going out of Egypt as a type isfvine exnlanation of the Bible and the plan of salvation. of entering the Millennium. Hi; wife came in, and I was introduced to her. She was very E. C. LEIOH. Your brother in the faith, enthusiastic. and I learned from her that her father had been ZOUXZ. a reader and believer of DAWN and its teachings for eight DEAB FRIENDS IN CHRIST: -Received the books with thanks, years, that her brother and sister and others of the family and the brother is earnestlv seeking the truth. Please send On my way home I called upon her were also believers. me a few more tracts. It does me iood to find one who will father and found him strong in the faith, and another daughter receive the truth, and I praise the dear Lord for allowing me After exchanging views for as enthusiastic as the father. that privilege of service. some time I invited them to come to our meetings at my I think sometimes it is because I am so unworthy that house. and the next afternoon the daughter and her husband the Lord don’t use me more. In my early life I lived a deI should have mencame ‘out and we had a profitable timg voted Christian for some years, then there came a time when tioned that before I knew of these brothers and sisters a son I was measurably thrown out of Christian society, and I of the brother above mentioned had also become a believer, became cold, neglected duty and was what is called a “backand was meeting regularly with us and is making rapid slider,” tho I never felt like denying the Lord who redeemed progress in the truth. me. But seven years since, through the providence of our One week ago today our little company numbered eleven, dear Lord, a brother handed me the DAWN to read, and it all but three of whom I believe are true believers, and the awakened me to greater love than I ever enjoyed before. Since others not real opposers. Today there were only five present, hut one of them was a new convert to the old Gospel. And SO that time I have tried in mv weak wav and throueh much affliction to do what I could.* I fear I lost my pla& in the the Lord is leading and we are rejoicing and beginning to bride company when living away from Christ; but, if I did, understand why he has prevented us from closing up our I will continue to serve him to the best of my knowledge. affairs in this town in order to get out of it over a year ago. His service is all-glorious to me, and I will be his in some Some time ago we came to the conclusion that the Lord had Please tell me briefly what you think of me. I capacity. a work for & to do here, but we could see no opening, for study the Word all that I am able, and try to do all the the ministers had effectually closed the door against us by good I can. warning their people to avoid us as dangerous persons to talk With much love to all the saints, I remain, your sister to on religious subjects, as hot-headed persons, religious in Christ, M. 0. cranks and disbelievers in God’s Word. When these things [R&v:-Yours is at hand, and we are glad to hear from came to us. we reioiced that we were accounted worthy to you again. Have sent the tracts reouested. and reioice with suffer with ‘Jesus, for in his day he was regarded very much you that it has been your privilege tb find ‘at least *one eager the same by the religious people of that time. “Blessed are ye, when men shall s ak all manner of evil against YOU for the truth. You ask what we think of your case. From what you say falsely, for my sake.” (Eatt. 5 : 11) But none of these things (123-124) [2142]

\PRIL

15, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(124.-127)

of your Christian experience and the present attitude of your heart, we should say, “Cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward, for ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive (Heh. 10 :33-37 ) The Apostle calls attention the promise.” to some who were not able to go out -in the midst of the battle as he was. but were loval to the truth and reioiced in the privilege of being the co&anions of some who “were SO used. And this, dear sister, has certainly been your case since you have come to a knowledge of the prese& truth. You have not lacked in svmnathv for all the other members of the body, esteeming it’ a*pri&ge to suffer with them if you could not do so for them. And as in David’s day those who remained with the stuff received equal share of the spoils with those who went to battle, so we believe that you and all of like experience will receive a share in the glories to come. Th& during a considerable portion of -your life you were in a backslidden condition is to be remetted: but the fact that the Lord sent you the truth was-i disti&t evidence of his love for you, and that you had not fallen away beyond recovery. We have no doubt that as you look back you will be able to recognize that much of your languor was caused by VOL. XVIII ALLEGHENY,

lack of knowledge of God and his Word, and consequently your mind was not sufficiently awakened to the necessity for active service; and even if you had tried to teach the truth you would have been unable to do so, because you did not have it yourself. Hence, we are sure that, if you ask it, the Lord will forgive all the shortcomings of the past; in fact, we have no doubt that you have already done so, and that he has granted full forgiveness. All who are truly seeking to do the Lord’s will can doubtless lbok back over the past years of their life and realize that they omitted many things they might have done. If it were not so, it would prove either that they have failed to grow, and have a low standard of excellence, or that all they did was perfectly done (which of course is impossible, for there is none righteous, no, not one). Herein lies the value to us of the robe of Christ’s righteousso that our best enness, covering all our imperfections, deavors may be acceptable in God’s sight as tho perfect. Therefore, dear sister, we encourage you to renew ! our hope and confidence; do with your might what your handq find to do; let your daily life be a witness for the Lord and an example of holiness; and, when you can do nothing more, “Stand.” (See Eph. 6 : IO-IS.-E~ITOB.I PA., MAY 1, 1807

VIEWS
FEDERATION OP PROTESTANTS

FROM

THE

TOWER

that the congress for the uuruose be called for the year 1900, In our last we called attention to the federation of the gives as th& total membership 4,414,776. We qbote from various Protestant denominations in Great Britain, aside from his article in the Independent the following expression:the church of England. The New York Independmt noticed “As immediate union of all these bodies is out of the the matter as follows:question, why should there not be an Alliance or Federation “We gave account last week of the meeting of the Free of them? Tliey have no creeds that stand in the way of closer Church Council in London, and we asked why such a co7t- relations. There is no auestion of wlitv to keen them asunder. federation. of the Protestant churches in this country could They have the same &object, sim’ilar” pledges, and practice The subject is well worth further and not be inaugurated. methods which do not vary widely. Such a Federation could frequent consideration. That meeting represented the Wesin no way injuriously affect the denominational loyalty or leyans, Baptists, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, indeed all usefulness of any society. Neither would it interfere with dethe Free Churches of Great Britain with two million comnominational control and denominational development.” It was the most representative meeting of Engmunicants. Bishop W. X. Ninde, of the 11. E. church, president of lish Christians held for over three centuries: for the members the Enworth Board of Control. endorses Dr. Carroll’s surrof the combined Free Churches of Great Britain slightly outgestioi, as follows :number the communicants of the established church. Separated “While organic union seems impossible, certainly for the hitherto, they now are coltfederated. They are one. They no time, there are no Christians in the land who feel a stronger longer suffer under the reproach of a divided church. They vearninp for a union of sympathv and coijperation in Chrisha& declared that they believe that the church of Jesus tian woik than do the you”g people represen‘ted in the Epworth Christ should be one. and thev have made it not merelv snirittiague. We are fully committed to the general plan of a ually, but visibly one? so f& as lies in their poweg. ‘Why Federation or Alliance of Young People’s societies. Our Board should British Christians be more progressive than WC in of Control, at its recent session in New York, emphatically America? Yet, somehow, an old and compact country like reWffirmed its wish for the closest sniritual unitv with all Great Britain does work out some problems faster than we do. Christian young people, and its read&ess to make” or receive They are in advance of us in giting popular service, postal overtures for joining hands in all practical methods of Chrisbanks and postal telegraphs; and here we find them far in tian work.” advance of us in this great popular Christian movement which Mr. .T. W. Bacl , general Secretary of the Young People’s brings believers into public and confessed fellowship in Christ.” Society of Christian Endeavor, says:FEDERATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOUIETIES “The committee will welcome suggestions, and may its Since (1) it is a settled fact that the young people of &orts be blessed in binding all the young people of evangelical the various denominations will not be encouraged by their churches into n closer spiritual fellowship that shall in no wav to unite as Christian Endeavors, denominational “Elders” interfere with denomin&ional control. ‘Ihere is no reason wh> and that such a union is feared, especially by Methodists and everything that is worth having in the way of denominational Presbyterians, as tending to break down and remove all decontrol of young people’s societies should be maintained withnominational barriers : and since (2) denominational federaout sacrificing anything that is worth having of intcrdenomtion comes slower thah was hoped ‘fir, it is now proposed to inational fellowship.” establish a Younp Peonle’s Christian Federation. This will partially satisfy rhose &o are clamoring for Christian union J. T. Beckley, D. D., one of the trustees of the same society, without denominational restrictions; it will also fix things says : where they are, and make it “irregular” and “a breach of eti“Federation is the next step forward in the Young Peoquette” to criticize. or attempt to supplant, any of the allied ple’s movement. It is logical and providential. The uprising o’r federated societies ; and i’t will p&e the wiy for the de- of the young people is the most significant fact in the history sired denominational federation. which we know from the of modern Christendom-the twenty-ninth chapter of the .Scriptures is rapidly approaching, and will be of injury to Book of the Acts. Its impolt is far-reaching. It is a splendid pure, primitive Christianity, and lead quickly to church and apologetic. When the enemy was claiming that Christianity state alliance and to the collapse of the present social order. was decadent and the Bible was a last year’s almanac, this Asked, some time ago, how soon such a federation might be army of conweratcd disciples, numbered by millions, came to expected to take shape, we suggested that the opening of the the front.” twentieth century would be a likely date, as it is growingly Rev. J. A. Duff, of the Young People’s Christian Union of the snirit of our times to start large undertakings on promthe United Presbyterian church, says:inent-and propitious days and years. We are tKerefor6 sur“There is a growing conviction in the minds of manv that mised to find the nrime-movers in this federation naming a Christianity as represented by the Protestant church&-each &ii- so-jar in a&&e as the new century. This federation one workilig in id own way “without reference to the success we should expect sooner, and the church federation by 1900, of the whole--does not present a united front against either We quote the views of people prominent in these idolatry or the spirit of the world. GouS;, People’s Societies. While not ready for union, many are ready for such R movement as will combine H. K. Carroll, LL. D., who suggests this federation, nnd 121431

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;Fb;ffprts

of all and direct

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Rev. J. P. Landis, D. D., president of the Young People’s Christian Union, United Brethren, says:“As fal, therefore, as I have a right to speak for our Young People’s Christian Union, I say, by all means let there be a meeting called of all the young people’s organizations; and as 1900 seems to be a specially appropriate time, let it be then. \ve &all vote for a Federation.” It is worthy of note that all these gentlemen feel sure that the proposed federation could do no hurm to any denominational Evidently they are not aware that their chief coninterests. cern is for the preservation of their several denominations. The Lord’s plan is very unpopular. because it denounces sectarianism where it does not ignore it entirely.
THE NEXT STEP PREPARING

Comparatively few realize the motive which lies back of the movement of leaders towards the federation of religious systemh. Ncelectinrr to observe the testimony of God’s Word, that the &ission-of this age is the selectioli of the Church of overcomers to be. with Christ their Lord. the “Royal Priesthood,” to bless aAd rule and teach the world during Christ’s Mill&nial kingdom, they have, to the contrary, con<octed the theorv that the conversion and ruling of the world is the churc’h’s missioli during the present a&. After eighteen centuries they find that in this zenith of their efforts nearly two hundred beings arc born for every one that is even nominally converted : and probab1.v five or ten thousand for every one that becomes fuliv cons&rated “overcomers” or “saint.” They reflect that at &is rate it will be many centuries yet before they could hope to bring about conditions by which God’s will would be done on earth as in heaven. Wishing to encourage each other, and to impress the world, they want union or federation or something which will “make a iair show in the flesh;” and they begin to feel just as Paoacv did fifteen centuries ago,-that God wants them to taGe Control of the world in h’i$ name and rule it, and enThey forget that this same erforce religion by civil law. roneous view. lmt into execution bv Papacy, not onlp led it to establish th;! great antichristian”counier%it of God’s kingdom, but also led to the persecution, in most terrible forms, of those who stood faithful to the Word of God. The new movement contemplates a participation in politics as a means of getting control of the world for the Lord: and Christian Citiz&ship Leagues are being formed. The fol; lowing is their statement of their object clipped from the Ckrislian Citizen: “Not until the Kingship of Jesus is established over our land and the world, and his teachings are made the rule in all public affairs, will the Christian Citizenship League have achieved its purpose to prepare the way of the Lord. And then it shall be found that not only has the way for his coming been prepared, but that he has ind&d and in t&h come.” Thus they not only claim that our Lord’s second coming cannot take place until they thus prepare his way, but finally they intimate that this success wiil make his personal coming They will act as his vice-gerent in establishing unnecessary. righteousness, and can equally be his representative after the i;portant w&k of conqukst & accomplished. If thev can do all the hard work of conquering Verv true! the wi;ld and devil, tiley will deserve the glory and honor. 1% is clear, however, that “present arrangeme&+multiplied tenfold, could never bring to earth the heavenly conditions promised in our Lord’s petition. The rightful King must take unto himself his great power and begin his reign, and bind Satan, creation” before peace on earth and liberate the ‘groaning and good will tow&d men’ and glory to God-in the highest can be looked for.
OHUBCH AND STATE

tutions are established as the fundamental law of the State under which the rights of the minority to freedom of speech, freedom of printing and freedom of worship are made sure. The genius of our government is the complete separation of church and state, yet here is a minister of a denomination which knows the meaning or persecution for nonconformity to the ideas of the majority a.s to what constitutes Christianity, advocating religious domination-which means denominational domination in its logic-in the state. “Mr. Mills will have difficulty in finding authority in the New Testament for his doctrine that it is the business of the church to supervise the state: It was the fear that the mission of Jesus Christ was to institute a sorely needed revolution in Judea that led chiefly to the persecution and death of the Founder of Christianity. “Against this charge made by the orthodox Jews he protested. ‘Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, means that he would not have the church see to it that the state was dominated bz/ it. The words and examDle of Paul were always in direct cefutation of the doctrine enimciated by Mr. Mills. Both knew that the moment the church became political that moment it would begin to lose in spiritual power, and the history of nineteen centuries has proved the scientific soundness of their position. The church cannot have an influence upon the state in the way suggested bv Mr. Mills with-I out becoking political. “It is the business of the church to call men to renentance. to preach the Gospel-the ‘glad tidings of great joy’-to wori for the spiritual regeneration of mankind through regeneration of the individual. In this business it has emnlovment for all its energies and talents, and thus employing its&f it is a more powerful influence for righteousness in the state and righteousness of the State as a governing corporation than it can possiblv be in attempting directlv to dictate politics to the &ate a6d to be the &ate.- The gdvernment of ihe United States and of the state of New York are as much the aovernments of the non-Christian as of the Christian; of the “Jew as of the Gentile; of the Panthiest as of the Trinitarian; of the Amostic and Deist as of the strictest of the sect of soecial criationists who believe in divine direction of the affairs of mankind. It is the business of the Christian church not more than the Jewish church to see to it that the state is dominated by ethical principles, by morality, righteousness, justice and mercy; and it can do this best by following the example of Christ and Paul, not that of Constantine.”
“WHAT IS WEONQ?"

Evangelist 13. F. Mills is advancing along the line above pointed out. He is quoted as saying in a recent discourse:“Jt is a mistake to consider the church as a society for worship or benevolence instead of an agency for transfoiming It is the business of the church to see that the the world. state conducts its affairs in a Christian fashion.” The editor of the (Syracuse, N. Y.) Herald criticizes this utterance very wisely, as follows:“Then If the majority in the state were Jews, would it be the business of the Jews to see that the State ‘conducted Or if a majority were not its affairs’ in Jewish fashion? Christians, would it be the business of the -majority to see that the state was conducted in a way not Christian? This is a government by majority, but in order to protect as much as possible the minority against the intolerance and persecution which invariably come with majority rule Consti[2144]

In the Christian Endeavor Rev. C. S. Bullard propounds the question, “What is wrong?” and proceeds to answer it as follows :“Every pulpit in the land guarded by law-nearly one hundred thousand men of learning and abilitv set for the bringing to the attention of other gen the life ahd death message of God-and yet“Multiply the twelve apostles by eight thousand and how soon they would turn the world up-side-down! What is wrong? “Think of England-the brightest part of Europe. Eighty thousand criminals; one hundred and sixty thousand drunkards ; one hundred thousand prostitutes; nearly ten hundred thousand Daupers. and a drink bill of one hundred and thirty-six millibn hounds sterling! Is that the best the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do for England? “Look upon our own land-over seventy-three million pop ulation and about twenty million enrolled members in all branches of the church! Seven million young men, of whom but five Der cent. are enrolled as members of the church. These, as a f&&ion of one of the million, attend church somewhat regularlv. another million attend occasionallv. but five mill& ne& attend. Think of arresting over ‘dne and a half million of men and women annually-fifty millions in a generation ! Crime increases four and a half times faster than the population. What is wrong? “Here we stand upon the Threshold of the twentieth century with the record of forty million people habitually absenting themselves from the house of God! We have Derfect mach&ery and a seemingly large amount of zeal-w; are doing everything we can think of to reach the ungodly-we have tried spinning-wheels and grab bags, theatrical8 and tableaux, broom ‘drills-and donkey :ocials.We have fiddled to the& and fed them with ice cream and cake. and tickled them with funny stories, yet ‘Ichabod’ seems to ‘be written upon everything we do. What is wrong? “Is there a power that can change these things? What is needed? Paul cries, ‘The Gospel is the power of God.’ 0, that is what is needed-power! POWER! Power in the church and through the church IN POLITICS, TO BEQENEBATE BOCIETY.

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The only thing that can correct the things that need corLet us apply the Gospel in liberal rection is the ‘Gospel.’ doses I” Yes, indeed, power is needed to bring order and righteousness to all the troublesome questions now perplexing the word, -Labor. Capital. Finance, Socialism, Trusts, True Religion, Sectarianism-and’superstition, all need power,.a mighty power, and wise and good power, to take hold of them to put down the wrong and to lift up the right. But will the church by going -into earthly politics be this power? Never! She holds no such commission. On the contrarv. if saints could be put into office, it is very doubtful if th& could continue to be “saints” under such unfavorable conditions, attempting to rule the world before the time appointed and without their “Head.” Yes, men in every station of life are beginning to see that the world needs a “strong government”-to had it in check: and the more general the enlightenment of the masses the greater this need:to control the avarice and discontent and to cause the bounties of divine providence to minister blessines and hanniness to everv creature. No earthly power fifth unican d; this: our Lord’s promised kingdom-the versal empire of the earth (Dan. 2 :44; 7 :22, 27)) and it only, can meet the conditions. It was in full view of this necessity, and to meet it, that a second advent of our Lord was promised; -not as man and for suffering of death, but as the Lord of all. in Dower and great glorv, a spirit being-as invisible to ‘men ‘as is the p&sent ‘pr&e of *this world,” Satan, and still more nowerful. While the manv make readv “Christian Crusades” *in politics, and “BOY’S Brigades” foi future assistance, the t&e “soldiers of the cross;” will fight the good fiaht of faith against their own weaknesses. while nravinn to their Lord, “Thy kingdom come : thy will’be do& 0; earth as it is done in heaven.”
ENFORCING THE DECALOMJE IN KANSAS

The following bill has been introduced in the Legislature of the state of Kansas by Representative Walters. H, calls for the enforcement of the Ten Commandments eiven to Israel at Mt. Sinai: “An Act to give statutory force to the Ten Commandments : “Whereas, The men of the present generation have become doubters and scoffers; and, “Whereas, They have strayed from the religion of their fathers ; and, “Whereas, They no longer live in the fear of God; and, Having no fear of punishment beyond the “Whereas, grave, they wantonly violate the law given to the world from Mt. Sinai ; therefore, “Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:“Section 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. “Section 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven a image,” etc. [Each one of the commandments constituting separate section of the Act.] “Section 11. Any man who shall violate any of the provisions of this Act shall be punished as follows:“For violating Section 1, $1,000 fine; for violating Section 2. $1.000 fine and one vear in the nenitentiarv: for violatine Section 3 or Section 4, $500 fine: for vioh&ting Section 5”, $500 and six months in the penitentiary; for violating Section 6, hanged by the neck until dead; for violating Section 7, penitentiary for life; for violating Section 8, fine or imprisonment, in the discretion of the court; for violating Section 9. imnrisonment. in the discretion of the court: for violatine Section 10, fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of th; court. “Section 12. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the statute book. “This proposed -measure only contemplates in part, and on a small scale, what is nronosed in the ‘Christian Amendment’ to the constitution, -which has progressed far beyond the possibilit,ies of a joke. That amendment says that ‘the revealed will of Jesus Christ’ shall be ‘the supreme authoritv in civil affairs’ in every State in the Union: The revealed will of Christ includes the law of ten commandments. The ‘Christian Amendment’ would do for everv State what Mr. Walters’ measure proposes to do for the State of Kansas. “It is proposed that the Kansas Legislature shall enact, ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ As the sneaking party in this enactment would be the Legislature, the law would be that the Legislature must be the god of everybody in the state. And the god who speaks the law having been determined in the first section of the Act, the same god would be meant by the phrase ‘the Lord thy God’ in succeeding

sections. Thus by the third section it would become blasphemy to speak lightly of the Kansas Legislature, and in the fourth section this assembly would put forth the stupendous claim of having created the heavens and the earth ! “Absurd as such claims would be, they are no more than what is really involved in everv instance of religious leaislation. For ;eligion being the-performance of those d&es which an individual owes to his God. onlv God can riahtfullv command such duties; and when such d&ties are co;mandeld by any party, that party by that very act assumes to be God. . . . “Another point that must not be overlooked is raised by the query as ‘to what will constitute a violation of this Act. Jesus Christ said that hatred in the heart was a violation of the commandment, which says: ‘Thou shalt not kill,’ which is Section 6 in Mr. Walters’ bill. (See Matt. 5:21, 22) No doubt it will be acknowledged that there is no higher authority upon the subject than this. The courts will therefore be obliged to take cognizance of hatred as a violation of Section 6 of this state law. of lust as a violation of Section 7. etc., and inflict the penalties specified in the Act. The en: largement of the state prisons and penitentiaries which the punishment of such persons, together with all who were covetous, would demand, it would be needless to try to specify. The penal institutions would simply have to be made large enough to take in the entire population of the state.” -American. Sentinel. We heartily concur in the gantinel’s comments, but must point out an inconsistency. The Sentinel is an able representative of “Seventh-Dav Adventism;” and the backbone of that institution is the Law given at Mt. Sinai, referred to above. That Law is held out continuallv as the criterion for all “Seventh-Day Adventists ;” and it is “claimed that all who do not keep th& law till fail to obtain eternal life. Why then should the &‘entineZ, above all other journals, object to the enforcement of that Law? Ah! despite its theory, that the Law is in force upon Christians as it was unon the Jews. the Sentinel cannot help seeing that no member’ of the fallen race can keep that Law. Hence its comment that, if it be enforced, “the entire population of the state” (including Seventh-Dav Adventists) will be found guilty of violating yt. The essence of the Gospel is that our Lord Jesus, having kept the Law perfectly, gave his life a ransom nrice (not to break or destrov the Law. but) to justify belie;ers not by the Law, but by faith. ’
“THY WONDERS ARE

A

MIGHTY

DEEP

I”

As a marvel, the telegraph, by which an energy can be communicated at a distance, prepared the waq for the still greater marvel, the telephone, by -which sounds” and tones can be communicated lona distances. Next came the Rocntaen, or X-ray, by which Gays of light can be passed through a plank, a tree, or a human being. Now, finally-no, not tinallv. for we know not what await us in the future still more-marvelous-the latest wonder is a method of telegraphy Progress has been without wires or any other connections. made in this direction for some time past, and some success was attained bv W. H. Preece, head of the British government telegraph” system. But now complete success b& been reached bv a voung Italian named Marconi. whose device has been patented”and-is now being put into practical operation along the Britsh coast. for communicating from shore stations to light-ships, from half a mile to twenty miles distant. Experiments show that the electric influence is exerted through or by peculiar vibrations upon the air (250,000,OOO ner second) which affect a “receiver” and nroduce a record &nilar to a telegram by wire. It is expected that an instrument of large size would communicate all around the world simultaneously, wherever “receivers” were placed for recording the messages. These wave currents pass through brick, stone and iron walls as readily as through open air. Astounding as it may seem, the only fear expressed is that “in using the instruments on an iron-clad [war vessel] the waves [of ether] might explode the [powder] magazine of the ship.” After six thousand years of human pride and boasting, God is now saying to mankind: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the people, I will be exalted in the earth.“-Psa. 46: 10. What now will so-called Rationalists say to their former boast that they believe only what is tangible? And what about certain Christians (Second Adventists and others) who on rationalistic grounds claim that there could be no such thing as a spirit-body, invisible to human sight, and accordingly dispute that our Lord. after his resurrection, came into the unner room while “the doors were shut.” and claim. contrary-to the inspired record, that he opened the doors and came in unnoticed?

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By and by the world will have such evidences of invisible thinns in nature that faith in spiritual things which eve hath not ‘;een nor ear heard, neithe; have entered into thi heart of the natural man to conceive, will be an easy matter.

Meantime the infidels of the world are rapidly becoming “Spiritualists’deceived bv the fallen aneels from whom God’s people are protected” by the instructyons of the holy Scriptures.

TAKE
“Wherewithal

HEED

shall a young man keep his way pure [keep a clean course in life] ? By taking heed thereto according to thy Word.“-Psa. 119 : 9. able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Never in all the centuries of the past was the exhortation .Jesus.“-2 Tim. 3: 15, 16. to “take heed” as opportune as today, when the temperament of the age is aptly illustrated by its two great motive powers, But the Scriptures nowhere show the Christian how to steam and electricity. There is today more rush and force blend the spirit and methods of Christ with the spirit and than thought and nrecision. The active brains of the world methods of the world, in order to make what men call success are schemyng for fortunes and rushing to gain them; and in life. They do not open up the way to either financial, very few in any condition of life take time to consider and political or social success, but they do “teach us that, denying to weigh and compare principles and motives of action, to ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, riglitsee whether the ends for which they strive are worthy of eously and godly in this present world ; looking for that They rush and push and pull because the very their efforts. blessed hope [of the Gospel] and the glorious appearing of conditions of their birth in this time impel them to do so, the ereat God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. who gave himself even though the end of their aspirations be but empty bubbles for ia, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify And this, which is true of the and bitter disappointments. unto himself a peculiar people [not a people striving after world at large, is also true of the professed Christian church: (Titus the thinns of this world. but1 zealous of eood works.” the active spirit of the age has permeated its pulpits, its pews 2: 12-14)- Yes, the young man who would follow Christ‘ must But this activity, partaking and its theological schools. forego the ambitions and pleasures of the present life, and lareelv of the snirit of the world, has taken more of a busrJive for the enduring and satisfying riches of the life to come. nesi than of a pious turn, and tends more to the emphasizing But the Word of the Lord, full as it is of wisdom and of the forms of godliness than to the cultivation of its vital counsel, cannot profit even the professed Christian who does power, and more-to worldly than to spiritual prosperity. It not in a meek and prayerful spirit come to its pages for was of a similar class in the Jewish age that the Lord said: instruction. Nor does it profit the careless reader who fails “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib; to meditate upon its precepts, or who only occasionally looks but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.” into the nerfect Jaw of libertv and beholds himself. but (Isa. 1:3) Let the thoughtful Christian, therefore, look well straightway forgets what mannkr of man he was I .Jas. 1: to his course and see that he is steering it in exact harmony 22-24), and thervefore fails to apply tlie instruction. But he with the divine Word and plan. who can trulv sav: “Thv words were found. and 1 did eat The Psalmist, in the above text, suggests the most worthy them [I an&on&ted thim diliaentlv- to the building up of ambition of life; viz., to keep our course of life clean and free remy character] ;- and thy Word was unto me the joy‘and from the contaminations of this evil world. The suggestion ioicing of mv heart :” “mv delight is in the law of the Lord. is specially apt in its application to the young, whose tender &d ii his l&v do I’ meditate d’ay and night; I meditate also years and inexperience have as yet learned little beyond the of all thy work, 0 Lord, and talk of thy doings: T meditate loving discipline of the home circle, which the text presupin thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways; I delight Parental love, counsel, discipline, example and prayers myself in thy statutes, I do not forget thy word” (,Jer. 15 : 16 ; {Ey’thus far guided the youthful feet in the ways of rightPsa. 1:2; 77:12; 119:15, 16) ; these, and only these, are oreousness and peace, and now, at the verge of manhood and dering their steps aright, by tak:ing heed to the Word of the womanhood, life’s great work and its stern duties and responLord. sibilities must be faced; the youth must come in contact, to This was the course that Paul recommended to Timothy, some extent at least, with the wickedness of an ungodly world, that he might keep himself pure from worldly contamination. where the metal of his character will be put to the test, and and be an example and faithful minister to others. saying: often to very crucial tests when it is discovered that the way “Be thou am example of the believers. in word, in conversaof the ungodly prospers in the present time. tion, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. . . . Meditate It is true, indeed, that the tendency of “evil communicaupon these things, give thyself wholly to them. that th! tions” is to “corrupt good manners.” (1 Cor. 15:33) As the profiting may appear to all.“-1 Tim. 4:12, 15. ear becomes accustomed to profanity and to unkind and The profiting certainly will not appear if the means are bitter words, and the eye to sights of misery and injustice, not thus used. Character cannot ripen except under proper the tendency is to blunt the finer sensibilities of the pure and conditions; and if professions abound whrre charnrter is lackgood, so that in time the heart will become more or less ing, or is not correspondingly developed, how sad is the pligllt. unless these unholy influences calloused and unsympathetic, and how manifest the self-deception to every discerning saint! are steadily resisted and the ways of the world shunned. In view of these things, therefore, let the young Christian But how, inquires the Psalmist, shall a young man keep mark well the counsel of wisdom, and take heed to his course his way (his course of life) clean? How, in his inexperience according to the Word of the Lord. Let him come to it for and lack of competent wisdom, shall he succeed, often singleanswers to all questions of right and duty; and let him study handed em1 alone, in stemming the almost resistless current how the perfect law of God-the law of love-applies to all of evil about Jiim? How can he prosper in business without the conditions and circumstances of his daily life and assoresowtinp to tllc tricks of trade ? How can he gain the desired ciations and obligations. In so doing there cannot. fail to be places of social distinction or political preferment, if his a steady growth in grace, and the fruits of the spirit will not course of life is continually against the current of the world’s he lacking. ideas and its means and methods? In other words. how can But youth is not the only time when it is necessary to a man be in tlu* world and not of it? steer one’s course by the Word of the Lord. While the only That such iI thing is both desirable and possible to the right way to start in life is by taking heed to our way accordChristian is plain from our Lord’s prayer for his disciples ing to God’s Word, it is equally right and necessarv to heed (John 17 : 15-17 ) , “Holy Father, . . . I pray not that thou A it-and to meditate upon it’ to the iery end of our”days. shouldcst take them nut of the world, but that thou shouldest life thus suent becomes beautiful in old aae. which should keep them front the etil. They are not of the world, even as show all the fruits of the spirit tinped with-the glow of rineSanctifv them [separate them from I am not of the world. ness, and be a loving benediction 6 all within ihe range-of the evil)- through tlrg truth: tliy” Word is truth.” its influence. Indeed, what a nattern of eodliness does everv aged saint present when the hbary head 5 crowned with the The Psalmist raises the question for the very purpose of beauty of holiness, when a long life of self-denial and selfsuaaestina the answer. and his answer is in full harmonv with discipline gives a practical demonstration of the power of ou”r”Lord% prayer, not that they should be taken out “of the divine grace to overcome the downward tendencies of our world, but that they should be kept from the evil, showing that the only way for a young man to keep his course of life fallen nature! What a pattern should the aged Christian clean is to take heed thereto according to the Word of the he. of natient self-forgetfulness. of loving svmnathv and eentle forbearance, able to give kindly counselUaid iimefy assi&nce Lord. As the Apostle Paul also says,-the “Scriptures given bv insniration of God are nrofitable for doctrine. for renroof. in various ways to those who are still bearing the burden and heat of the day, cheering them onward and inspiring them for coirection. for instruction in righteousness, ‘. . . and are 121461

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to noble deeds and persistent fortitude, and fully appreciating all their labors of love! But, alas! the well-spent lives are few. How few have remembered their Creator in the days of their youth, and from youth to a e have taken heed td their way according to God’s Word! Bn many oases youth has been worse than wasted in sowing “wild oats,” -and subsequent years have reaped the bitter harvest; life’s discipline has been endured with murmuring and chafing, the disposition has grown sour, and life a tiresome burden. Alas! too often, even among professed Christians, has the failure to “take heed” permitted the unholv nassions to flourish to the great detriment of all spiritual “prigress, until at last but -little remains except empty professions which bring only dishonor upon the name of Christ. Such is the result of a mere start in the Christian life with little or no endeavor thereafter to develop Christian character according to God’s Word. Yet God is gracious, and he is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy, so that at whatever point in its downward way or its backslidden course, whether in youth or age, the soul halts and changes its course from the naths of sin to the naths of faith and righteousness, there the love of God is mad;! manifest in pardon and peace, and the operations of divine grace are realized in helps and encouragements to pursue the upward way. But, at whatever point we start in the Christian life, from that starting point begins the duty of diligently taking heed to our way accordIf we grow careless of this duty, and ing to God’s Word. heedlessly blunder along according to our own understanding, meditating upon our own likes and dislikes, our selfish pref-

erences, or our own depraved tastes and ideas, instead of upon the precepts and principles of God’s Word, and endeavoring to bring our own ideas and ways to that standard of righteousness day by day and year by year-if such be the listless, shiftless indifference that marks our course. we cannot hone to retain the divine favor: nor can we grow in grace dd approximate more and more the likeness Gf Christ.The spiritual life, like the physical life, develops according to fixed laws. As the natural life must be nourished and fed according to the laws of nature in order to sustain and develon it and keen it in health. so the sniritual life must be nourished by <he various means of - giace and fed continually by the Word of the Lord.-“Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” If, then, we realize that, through anv measure of neglect. we are out of the way and find iu ourselves a low stale oi sniritual health. let us bestir ourselves to redoubled dilieence. No matter how long we may have walked in a blunderingway, the Lord stands ready with his grace to help and his presence to cheer as soon as we turn with our whole heart unto him in earnest desire and determination bv his grace to overcome. “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy iips f&m speaking guile. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” But “the face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to out off the remembrance of them from the earth. . . . The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.“Psa. 34:13-l& 18. M. F. RUSSELL.

A TRUTHFUL
“To see a Roman Catholic priest stand within the precincts of his church, and bowing before its altar, while at the same time lecturing from the Bible, and makinp it his sole arbiter and final court of appeal, is-a strange anomaly-indeed, we might sav a “new thine under the sun.” One is inclined to ask, What does it all &ean? Either he is coming round to Protestanism. which makes the Bible its only standard and infallible guide, or he is only giving a seeming support to the Bible bv keening out of sight the baneful doctrines of the mass an’d purgatory, that thereby he may win back numbers If the former is true. we welcome him to the to his fold. green nastures and-still waters of the Word of God. If the latter,.we trust all those who appreciate freedom-that freedom so dearlv bouunhtwill remember the DOliOV of Rome, “she changes *not ;” u’r’mstruments of cruelty ire in her habii tation,” and she will become more and more the “hold of every foul spirit and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” (Rev. 18 :2) Saith the Lord: “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, for her sins have reached unto (Rev. heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” 18:4, 5) Let us stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. and be not entangled a&rain v with the yoke of bondage.-Gal.’ 5: 1. “In looking over the subject matter of the lectures themselves, what struck me most was the entire absence of the Gospel of Christ. On such a theme as the destiny of man we

CRITICISM
might surely expect that ‘the only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12) would have been proclaimed full and free; but no. Little wonder, then, that the world is full of agnosticism, gloom and despair when such a Christless Gospel is put forward as the saving truth of God. HOW one could wish that the Rev. father, instead of cIosing his lecture by quoting the Law as the way to life, had copied the divine wisdom given to the Apostle Paul, who said to the Philippian jailer, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’ (Acts 16:31) For if by the law we have righteousness, then Christ died in vain. “The world can draw no comfort from these wornout out husks of gloom and eternal torment on the one hand, or from the new but unscriptural and unscientific (unproved) notion of evolution on the other. Never did the groaning creation need a Deliverer-and a great one-more than now.” Thus writes Brother C. N. Houston to one of the British journals, commenting on a public discourse on “The Destiny of Man.” We commend the method to all who nossees the requisite talents. Besides such occasional articles, brother H. takes betimes “a week off” from his store to cobvtmr for DAWNS. He usually has excellent success. He is “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ;” his friends know thiq; and so does the Lord. To “overcome” pride and “the fear of man which bringetb a snare” is a very important item in connection with a full consecration and a desire to be wred up in the Lord’s service.

CELEBRATIONS

OF THE

MEMORIAL

SUPPER

The celebration of the death of the antitypical Paschal Lamb, our Lord Jesus, on its anniversary, this year the evening of April 15, was-very general, as judged by the numerAs usual. the numbers of ous renorts thus far received. communicants varied greatly, from two or’three individuals to a couple of hundred, and-in several instances solitary beIievers worshiped and partook alone, association with others being impossible. All reports seem to indicate deep spiritual blessing and a growing appreciation of the great event celebrated. as the center of Christian iov and hone. Those who deny the ransom-th& we were bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ-have properly neither Dart nor lot in memorializing that great transaction: nor have those who by lives of sin’ make themselves “the enemies of the cross of Christ.” (Phil. 3 : 18) Hence the fact that the number at each place,‘as well as’ the number of places, seems to show considerable increase over previous celebrations, is a favorable indication. The occasion at Alleaheny will long be remembered by some present. Beginning-at 4 :30 p. m. >here was a baptism service. In a discourse of nearly an hour the true Scrintural idea of immersion was set forth and contrasted with popular but false ideas on the subject. It was shown that water immersion is not for the remission of sins. nor to be a door into

an earthly church, but that it is a symbol merely, an outward confession of an immersion of the heart, the will, into the will of Christ; a full consecration or immersion into Christ as members of his mystical body, sharers in his death to the self-will; and in our case also a death to sin. (Rom. 6:3-5) Twenty-four adults (twelve each sex) were immersed in svmbol in water, assenting first to their faith in the Lord as their personal Saviour, whose sacrifice for sin formed the -only ground-work of their justification and acceptance with the heavenly Father; and, secondly, assenting that they had already consecrated, buried, immersed their wills into the Lord’s will, laying ambition, talents, earthly possessions, hopes, fears-all, even life, at the Saviour’s feet. to be henceforth, to the end of the ‘race, used not for themselves. but wholly devoted to the service of him who loved us and ‘gave himself for us. It was a solemn and imoressive service. not for them alone, but for the hundred or more witnessespresent, the majority of whom had made and symbolized the same covenant. From eight to nine-thirty o’clock the Supper was celebrated. The significance of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine as representatives of our Lord’s broken bodv and shed hlood, and of our Lord himself as the antitype o*t the Passover Lamb. were considered: it was shown that as

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the institution of the type, the night previous to Israel’s departure from Egypt, a&&d first the first-born of Israel and later all Israel, delivered from Pharaoh and Egypt, so the death of our Lamb (Christ Jesus-“the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin-of the world”) affects first, during the Gosnel see. the “church of the first-born” ones and subsequently, during the Millennium, will affect the deliverance of all who are or who will become God’s true servants, delivering them from the slavery of Satan and the present evil world. The emblems of our Master’s broken body and shed blood were sweet to us, and by faith through the emblems we partook of the merits and graces of our Lord and his exceeding great and precious prox&ses vouchsafed for the future. Wg were sad at the thought of our Lord’s eufferines for us: vet glad-so glad--that h9e-paid the great price fo; us. We Loticed also the Apostle’s suggestion (1 Cor. 10:16, 1’7) that the bread and wine not onlv svmbolize our Lord’s bodv and flesh broken for us, but that”sin>e we are accepted of hi;6 and are reckonedly his flesh and his bones while in the earthly tabernacle, so the bread (one loaf) represents our flesh consecrated to death with our Lord, in his service and in the service of his people. Likewise we have a communion (common union or fellowship) in the cup-our earthly lives are consecrated to be poured out in death, that we may partake with our Lord also in his new life--“partakers of the divine nature.“-2 Pet. 1 : 4. Having celebrated the death of the antitypical Passover Lamb, let us now celebrate the antitypical feast of Passover, not for a typical seven days, but for the antitypical period -all time, forever-feeding upon “the unleavened bread of and abstaining from all sin, symbolized sincerity and truth,” under the Law by leaven. We give a few very brief extracts from some of the reports of the Memorial celebration at hand, a.s follows, requesting that all who reported accept this as our acknowledgment: Cohoes, N. Y.-The Memorial service W&B held as usual, and I cannot help but feel that it was the most blessed season that we have yet witnessed; such a deep spiritual atmosphere attending it. Hegewisch, I&-Just a word about our celebration of the Memorial Supper in this place. There were seven of us present-all truth seekers and believers in the ransom. We fifst sang a few appropriate hymns, then had a short testimony meeting-subject, ‘Why is Christ precious to me?” Then a season of prayer followed, after which there wu a brief review of our reasons for celebrating the Supper at this time, and a short talk rm 1 Cor. 11: 23-32, especially with the thought of showing forth the Lord’s &at6 “till‘ he come.” We pictured the evrntful night of his betrayal and his death. As we thotlght of the sufferings, the bloody sweat, the broken heart of our dear Saviour. the tears came in all our eyes. Then, as the emblc-lllu were passed, WP felt as never before the truth. “Is it not a participation of the body and blood of the Anointed One?” One thing I must not forget: We each made some request to bc prayed for, alld the answers received during the past few dnvs have been truly wonderful. Praise God! The one thought uppermost in our service seemed to be“We may not know, we cannot tell What pain he had to bear, Hut we may know it was for US He hung and suffered there.”

a goodly number, and we had a spiritual feast. It is not yet a .vear since the first one of six came into the light. I was requested to take charge of the Supper, and I didY so, meekly but not doubtingly. Blessed be God that giveth us the vicI am assured that we pray in union of spirit; and tory! the Father’s Word through Christ is being manifested to his saints. Glorious is our hope ! Haqne, N. C.-Brother Draper has come and gone, but his influence remains. Notwithstanding the busy season, made more so bv excessive rains which had iust abated. the attendance at the series of meetings was v&y good, kbout filling the house in the day time, while many could not get in it in the evenings ; so much so that on invitation of prominent Baptists, who begin to see and love the truth, services were held in their larger church house, which would not accommodate many that went. People of all creeds here and nearly all of the neighborhood heard and seemed to understand. Five symbolized baptism, and others expressed a desire to do so after hearing the explanation of the symbol, and when it should be performed. About thirty-five partook of the Supper, three times as many as ever before. It was indeed a delightful occasion. We are truly grateful for the brother’s visit, as it seemed to be the right time for some who are bwinnine to see, and others who are willing to hear. We feel likv mu& good has been accomplished here, and would like to have him come every year, or oftener, but want him to go where he can do the most good, and expect to do more to help send him. Pray for us that we may grow in grace and hold out faithful to the end. Z&&r&z, la.-Five met on Thursday evening to celebrate the Memorial Supper. I think we a11 realized a blessing in a renewal of our consecration and consequent obligation. May the Lord help and keep all his own everywhere. Nt. Petersburg, Fla.-About fourteen rejoiced in commemorating the Lord’s last Supper, and a very delightful meeting it was. We all felt the necessitv of a closer walk with God. more love for Christ and the Brethren, a fuller denendence on God’s promises and a more careful watch, lest th’e enemv tempt us from the “faith once delivered to the saints.” O& Norwegian brethren thought best to partake by themselves. Ezc7on, 8. D.-Last night six of us met to remember our Lord’s death “until he come,” and to renew our covenant with him. After prayer we read John 6:31-57 ; 1 Cor. 10: 16, 17 and 11:27-30. Sweetly the Lord met with us. I never felt the force and beauty of the symbol so much before, and I believe that was the experience of all. Our hearts burned within us. May we be kept willing to be led. Philadelphia, Pa.-The church here observed the Memorial Supper last evening. About forty partook of the emblems, and eight (four brethren and four sisters) symbolized their consecration into Christ’s death by immersion. Bethlehem, Pa.-Our little meeting here last evening proved a season of sweet refreshing to all present. There were thirteen, and our dear Redeemer seemed very near and dear to us. We were greatly strengthened and blessed, specially as we realized that all the Lord’s people everywhere were meeting for the same purpose and praying for one another. May we be kept humble, and constantly watch and pray ! Columbus, O.-Our little band met last night to remember the anniversary of our Lord’s death on our behalf. We had a very interesting and profitable waiting on the Lord, and many expressed themselves as having been refreshed and edified. Twenty-seven partook of the emblems, six of our class being absent, but we had five from adjoining towns. We felt that the influence of the Lord was present. All seemed to feel deeply the solemnity of the occasion, and yet every face seemed Joyful, as if while sympathising with our Lord in his suffering, they could not help rejoicing over the result to both himself and to us and to the world. We remembered all the little bands of like precious faith and felt that we were remembered by others. New York City.-The church here held the meeting in c~ommemoration of the Lord’s death. ,4 devotional meeting preceded, beginning at 6 :30 and closing at 8 p. m., which proved a genuine feast of spiritual food and A fitting preparation for the principal service. About

--TVaukesha, lVis.---Eight met, to partake of the bread and wine of our Lord’s Passnver. Wc e&h renewed our covenant relationship for the new sacred year, promising to be more zpalou3 if possible in the Master’s work. Salena, Ore.-J am happy to be able to write once more of our meeting together to commemorate our Lord’s death, “till he come.” Slthough we have not had many additions this vear. we were all rejoiced to meet together without one missing, all in their places, and none sorry of their covenant, but all confcgsing to growth in Christian faith and fellowship. We earnestly desire your prayers in our behalf that we may grow in all the graces needed to become like our Master and true representatives of him, while spreading this glorious truth. We all received a great blessing, and we pray for all the little flock everywhere.
“Elrlcr

BalLton, N. Y.-Greeting in the Lord *Jesus Christ, our Rrothpr !” At the Supper there were seven present,

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sixty were present, including some from neighboring localities. The Lord was there and blessed us wonderfullv. as he is constantly with us, teaching, leading and sustain&g us in every condition, according to his promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age.” D&&die County, Vu.-1 humbly trust I may never count the biood of my Redeemer a worthless thing or cast off the covering of. his name. We read for our Memorial lesson the 13, 14 and 15 chapters of John. They contain much for prayerful thoueht and studv. The love of the Saviour is most touchingly”manifested ii his tender solicitude for his disciples and his words of counsel to them, even though troubled that his hour was so near at hand. We partook of the emblems, realizing that we were again renewing our covenant to be faithful unto death. Cambturlang, Scotkz&.-Fourteen Christians met here last night to commemorate the Lord’s death, and it was a time of great blessing. I believe we all felt the Lord’s presence with great power. low.-1 am still seeking to serve the Master to the best of mv abilitv. I intended to meet with a few brethren and sisters “at for the celebration of the death of our dear Lord, but circumstances did not favor; but the dear Lord permitted me to partake of the emblems alone, and I had a precious, soul-refreshing feast. Boston, Moss.-The work is progressing grandly under our great Captain. At the Memorial fifty-three were present, and it was a season of sweet communion with Christ. The Sunday previous eight (seven sisters and one brother) were immersed. We obtained the use of the Disciples’ church. Every

one of these dear people give evidence of full consecration. North Indianapolis, Znd.-brother Wise conducted the services here, and it was a very blessed service-twenty-one present, most, if not all, of whom have made a public coneecration of themselves. their lives. their all. to God. throueb the beautiful and appropriate symbol of water baptism. v Linton, In&.-Twenty to twenty-five, the majority of whom had never before seen the real import of this Memorial, nor the propriety of celebratin it but once a year, commemorated the death of “the Lamb o7 God.” Los Posas, Gal.- We had a precious season at the Memorial Supper. There were twelve present-the same number as last vear. We felt drawn nearer to the Master and to each other in Christian fellowship. Scranton, Pa.-We had a very precious season of spiritual communion at the recent celebration of the Memorial Supper. Twenty were present--eight more than last year. We are seeking to grow more and more in the grace as well as in the knowledge of our Lord. Grass VaZZey, CaZ.-Five of us partook of tbe Memorial Supper, feeling our own unworthiness, the value of the covering of the precious blood and resolved to live nearer than ever to our blessed Lord. Two were immersed. Oaklad, Md.-We enjoyed a very pleasant season of communion on the occasion of the Memorial Supper celebration. Twenty-four were present, and about one-half the number partook of the emblems of our Lord’s broken body and shed most so far of any blood. It was an impressive service-the ever enjoyed by us here.

PAUL’S

MESSAGE
MAY 9.-Acts

TO THE

JEWS

13 :26-39. ‘*Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.“-Acts 13:38. written of him.” Supposing a question in their minds-How Paul and his company did not stop at Perga, where they could it be that the chief priests and chief religionists of our landed, but proceeded about one hundred miles inland to lace race could make so great a mistake, and so fail to rightly Antioch, probably because the inhabitants of the latter interpret the prophets?-the Apostle answers the obiection, were of a more intelligent class. The Apostle was not ‘Ioaktelling them that it was “because they knew him not, ior yet ing for the most degraded people, but for -the most intelligent, the voices of the Dronhets which are read ever-v Sabbath dav and oarticularlv those who were Jews or who had come in [and which] they *ha;e fulfilled in condemning “him.‘) This was a different Ancontact with the Jewish religion. But this is not all-“God raised him from the dead,” tioch from the place in Syria of the same name, whence they and of this we also have witness; and this message of the commenced their journey. As was their custom, they immedeath and resurrection of Messiah constitutes the “glad diatelv sought DreDared soil in which to sow the Gospel seed: tidings” of the fulfillment of God’s promises made to father they kent,Ytherefo>e, to the Jewish synagogue. According to the Jewish custom a nortion of the Hebrew Scrintures was Abraham.” This Jesus is the “seed” of Abraham, through the merit of whose death and by virtue of whose resurrection read in the hearing of the audience, and the chief men of the promise to Abraham shall be fulfilled-that in him “all the congregation, discerning the intelligence of their visitors, asked them to make some remarks. It has been presumed by the families of the earth shall be blessed” with a full opportunity of eternal life. some that, as Paul’s discourse seems to make reference to With his usual logic the Apostle anticipated objections in Deut. 1:31 and Isa. 55:3, these Scriptures had probably been the minds of his hearers-Could Messiah die? etc., and he portions of the reading lesson in the- synagogue,-and that the proceeds to prove to them from the words of the prophets Anostle took the dailv lesson as the text for his discourse. that thus it was written before hand. Although Messiah had A The Apostle Paul” was the spokesman, and without going long existed as the archangel, nevertheless the-prophet David, forward to the rostrum, he spoke from his place in the sync speaking for God, said concerning him: “Thou are my son, gogue, addressing first those who were Israelites by birth, and secondly, such Gentiles as had become proselytes to the this day have I begotten [literally borne or delivered] thee.” The Apostle would have his hearers note that this birth menJewish religion, and who therefore met with them in worship, tioned referred to our Lord’s resurrection. as it is written. he “Men of Israel and ye that fear God.” Beginning with the was the “first born from the dead,” “the first born among history of God’s dealing with Israel, the Apostle reviewed If Messiah was to be thus born from thi that history down to the time of Christ; thus wisely giving many brethren.” dead. it imrdied that he must first die. and hence the Anostle his auditors assurance of his full sympathy with the Jewish hopes and the divine promises, quickening in their hearts the gives’ this ‘as a prophetic prediction fulfilled in our l&d’s experiences. desire for the long promised Messiah and reviving their hopes He quotes again the words of Jehovah through the prophet, in the ereat uromises to be fulfilled through him. addressed to Messiah-“1 will give you the sure mercies of Having thus gained the attention and ‘interest of his hearDavid,“<. e., I will make sure to thee forever the mercies ers, he was ready to preach unto them the crucified Messiah, of David. The Apostle quotes this to prove that, although and (verse 26) he now intimated that the message which he bore ‘to them ‘was one of special favor. They -were aware Messiah as Michael the archangel had been great even before David’s time, yet it would be at a later date, and as a result that the most pious Jews resided in Jerusalem and Palestine, and that they themselves were reckoned as being to some of some work which he would nerform. that the mercies nromised to David and his seed w\uld be’ made sure to Meisiah. extent alienated from God and from the promises, because they had preferred a residence among the Gentiles, rather than This transaction was the giving of “his life a ransom for all,” and the making sure to him of the Davidic nromises bv the to the more zealous Jews of Palestine. He explained ( 1) that he raised him from the their fellow Jews, including the leaders of the nation, at Almighty was “evidenced “in that Jerusalem had proved themselves unworthy of the Gospel by dead.” In harmony with this is another statement by the prophet rejecting and crucifying Messiah; and (2) that this very crucifixion, so far from overthrowing the divine arrangement, David, which evidently referred to Messiah and not to David himself, since it was not true of David. It reads, “Thou shalt had merely been another ste in the program foretold by the Lord by the mouth of his ho P prophets. y He pointed out that not suffer thy holy one to see corruption.” By this reference the crucifiers of Messiah had merely “fulfilled all that was the Apostle would prove to them further, that God has speIII-16 [2149]
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cially promised the resurrection of Messiah, and that thus was indicated his death and temporary subjection almost to corruption. This could not apply to David,-who did see corruption to the full; but it was true of Christ. who “saw no corruption,” though- brought down almost within its grasp. Then comes our Golden Text, which is the center and pith of the Apostle’s discourse. He was not merely talking to tickle their ears respecting their being the seed of Abraham, nor was he talking -for the purpose of showing his comprehensive grasp of Israel’s history; nor was he merely telling them the story of our Lord’s crucifixion. More than all this, it was an individual message to every heart before him in condition to receive it, namely, “Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.” The Apostle does not refer to something that was done by our Lord as the archangel before “he was made flesh” (John 1: 14). nor does he refer to any work to be done by him in his new, highly exalted condition, “set down with his Father in his throne” and partaker of his divine nature; but he here refers to the work done by “the man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:5, 6) at Calvary. Thus the Apostle again emphasizes the fact that “as by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.” ( 1 Cor. 15:21) Yes, this is the center of the Gospel proclamation that the failure of the first uerfect man was fullv offset bv the sacrifice of “the man Christ Jesus,” and that-it was to’ this end that it was needful for our Lord to leave the glory which he had with the Father before the world was, to become noor (in the sense of taking our lower nature-but not its blemishes, for he was “holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sin-

ners”) ; and yielding up this human nature a ransom-price or corresponding price for the life forfeited by father Adam for himself and his race. This is the basis upon which every offer to grace is presented by the Scriptures. And now, he who was the Father’s agent in the redemptive work is to be the Father’s agent also in the work of “blessing” all the redeemed with ample opportunities for return to divine favor -the first step of which is the forgiveness of sins. Whoever realizes the divine perfection and himself a sinner, imperfect and under condemnation of Justice, and desires reconciliation with God-and the result thereof, eternal life -such, and such only, are prepared to receive the Gospel of redemption and forgiveness and help. “By him all that by+ lieve [after the manner described] are justified from all things [reckoned right, just, pure and perfect, notwithstanding all their inherent blemishes and uncontrollable weaknesses].” From none of these things could the law of Moses justify any. The law of Moses condemned everv failure, but was powerless to forgive, and had no means 01 making permanent atone ment or covering for those who were under that covenant, because its mediator, Moses, did not and (being himself a member of the fallen race) could not fulfill that covenant and satisfy its demands in his own person, for himself and Hence, Moses and his covenant had not power the ueoule. to giant’ mercy or justification, as can be done under the New Covenant by its mediator, Christ Jesus, who sealed it with his own precious blood, “a ransom for all.” Paul preached the only genuine Gospel-the only one authorized-the everlasting Gospel, which ultimately must be preached to every creature.

A LIGHT

TO THE
MAY l&-Acts

GENTILES

.‘I have set thee to be a light “Let their table become a snare and a trap unto them,” Their “table” consisted said the Prophet respecting Israel. of the divine favors and truths which were spread before “What advantage then hath a Jew? Much every Israel. way; chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of Divine favor produced pride of heart instead of huGod.” mility, and unfitted the majority of Israelites to inherit the chief blessing offered to that nation. Consequently the words of the Apostle (considered in our last lesson), logical and convincing, in that they were in harmony with the testimony of the Law and the prophets concerning the Messiah, were nevertheless coldly received, because they ran counter to certain Paul preached a Jewish Jewish prejudices : ( 1) Although Messiah, it was the crucified One. (2) If his message were true, it reflected very discreditably upon the heads of their nation and church, of whom they had been accustomed to boast as the greatest and holiest teachers of the world: (3) If the Apostle’s message was true, it vitiated if it did not utterlv destrov their long cherished national hopes that Israel would”shortly”be the gre;t nation of earth, in principal power, instead of Rome. The Messiah for whom they hoped was not the meek and lowly crucified One whom the Apostle preached, but a mighty, earthly conqueror of men and nations. (4) If the Apostle’s preaching were correct, Israel was no longer in a place of preference above the other nations, and those who would accept Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah, whether Jews or Gentiles, would become the holy and divinely recognized kingdom on a common level. The various promises which in their selfishness they misinterpreted, served to blind them to the pure, true light of the Gospel as it now shone upon them. But those of their number who had been proselyted from amongst the Gentiles had less cause for stumbling on these points, being less prejudiced by national pride and selfishness. These seem to have beard the message with true appreciation and inquired for further opportunities of meeting and hearing more of the good tidings, and the privilege of bringing with them Gentile friends who were feeling after God (verse 42). The result of the second meeting was a little nucleus of believers. By and by the news of the new Jewish gospel became noised abroad throughout the city, the result being a large concourse to the synagogue on the following Sabbath. Here was a new line of temptation to reject the Gospel, which bore upon such Jews as were not in proper condition of heart to receive it; the concourse of the Gentiles made We have tried them “envious ” They said within themselves: long and earnestly to make an impression upon these Gentiles, but thev seem td have no ear for the Law of Moses, few of them attend our meetings: but now that these missionaries of a new gospel have come they seem both willing and anxious to hear them. The result will be that they will despise the Law of Moses, and claim that our church is breaking up, and C21601

14: 11-22. to the Gentiles.“-Acts 13 :4i’. that after waiting for Messiah for centuries our holiest people crucified him. Thus we shall become a reproach in the eyes of our neighbors, even if we reject this new gospel, and still Their selfishness and envy trimore so if we receive it. umnhed. and then thev began to think of and use all the arguments they could ?lnd in opposition to the teachings of “blaspheming” the Messiah whom he preached. Paul-even Thus the greatest and grandest truths become the most crucial tests, stumbling the proud and selfish, and lifting up and blessing the humble and devout. There is a great lesson here for all. As our Lord said, “Take heed how ye hear.” Then Paul and Barnabas told them very plainly that while it was necessary that the Gospel should be preached first to Israel, as uer divine nromise. it was nevertheless now to be extended beyond them to all’ Gentiles. As usual he quoted them a text on this subject from the Old Testament, saying, Thus the Lord through the prophet commanded us: “I have set thee [Christ] to be a light to the Gentiles, that thou shouldrst be for snlvntion unto the ends of the earth.” The rightly disposed among the Gentiles were glad of this message, but the Jews, who should have rejoiced at the broadening of the divine mercv and erace. onlv hardened their hearts the more against th;! message; becauie the light and favor which they had already received had not dissolved the selfishness of their natural hearts. Concerning the Gentiles it is written, “As many as were ordained to eternal life believed”-better translated, “As many as were disposed for everlasting life believed;” as many as were in the right attitude of heart, who desired reconciliation with God and eternal life along the lines preached by the apostle, believed. But as usual the maiority were in opposition to the truth, and amongst their number were found-some of the most religious and most prominent. These raised the persecution, and “the brethren” obeying the Word of the Lord, “When they persecute yo; in one city, flee unto another,” shook off the dust from their feet and deuarted for Iconium. where, notwithstanding the prejudice which spread from Antioch; quite an interest was aroused; and when later an endeavor was made to stone them there they fled to Lystra, the scene of the present lesson, where the Apostle Paul performed a very notable miracle, healing a cripple. The people, seeing it, came to the conclusion that as their heathen mythologies told of the visits there of gods in the form of men, in the past, this must be another such occasion. Barnabas, the elder- and more venerable looking of the two. thev called Juniter: and Paul, the fluent speake;;‘, they called ‘Mer&y. When-the brethren found that they were about to do sacrifice to them, they went quickly into the crowd, explaining that they were merely men, and quite in opposition to such procedure, were there for the purpose of explaining to them the true God and the true

MAY

1. 1897

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(14(1-143)

sacrifice for sin and not there to receive homage or plaudit@. What a temptation would have been here for any not well How many arguments the controlled by the Lord’s spirit! world. the flesh and the devil could bring up to encourage them .in accepting the homage of the people! -It would have been a Dleaaant experience to be treated as gods, feasted and honored; a.s a change from their usual experiences of privation, persecution and tribulation. They might have reasoned moreover, that by accepting a little homage they might gain a larger amount of influence with the people and thus pave the way for a gradual presentation of the Gospel. Or they might accept the homage applied to themselves in a symbolic fashion as true, might speak of the Lord Jesus as a still greater God than themselves, and Jehovah as the Almighty God above all, of the and might thus ut a favorable turn to the superstitions people. But al of this would have been subterfuge which would have done injury not only to the people, and to the Gospel. but also to the brethren themselves. And altho they did ‘nd more than their duty in resistin the homage as they did. nevertheless we note in the fact tll at they did it with alacrity, the proper spirit of loyalty to the one” God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and the properly prompt resistance of everv suggestion of the adversitv towards self-aggrandizeWould <hat this noble $&it were ment or \Z4f-exaltation. fully exemplified in all of the Lord’s people! Let us take well to heart the lesson of vromPtness in resisting the devil’s baits for the weak points oi our-earthly nature% “We are not ignorant of his devices. The Apostle immediately made this mistaken reverence a text for a discourse in which he presented to his hearers, the one true God as the source of every blessing. But persecution followed them, and the same people who at one time were ready to offer them sacrifices, stoned Paul as thev suaoosed to death. Miraculouslv revived. he denarted with sarnybas to the next field of l;bor, De&, whire he found some more (pupils) ready to enter the school of Christ as disciples. Notwithstanding persecution in these varioun cities, the brethren were mindful of the interests of the Lord’s flock, and returned to them for the urpose of strengthening or confirming the faith of those wIRo already believed, but ap-

f

parently with no thought of public meetings; the inference being that all who were “d&posed” to accept the offers of eternal life under the Gospel call had already heard the message. These, however, needed help and development. This is a point too frequently lost sight of today by servante of the Gospel; public preaching is-very prop& &d necessary, but in addition “the flock of God” needs constant feeding. Quite evidently the brethren had no expectation that the Go&e& even when preached under plenary inspiration, would convert all, or even a majority, of the people. Knowing tha.t God designed it for the selecting of the “little flock” to be jointheirs with Christ in his kingdom they acted accordingly. We note that in these exhortations to believers an important place is accorded to “faith,” and we have found in our own experience that a well-founded faith is essential to a well constructed character built upon it. The second point of their exhortation to the believers was,-that “through much tribulation must we enter into the kingdom of God.” They did not tell them that all their tribulation was past and that God would protect them from any in the future, because they had believed, neither did they tell them that the kingdom of God consisted of a work of grace in their hearts; neither did they assure them that they already were the kingdom of God in the full sense; but on the contrary they assured them that this kingdom of God, which Israel had failed to attain, because not ready of heart to receive their King, had been postponed of establishment until God should select from the Jews and Gentiles “a people for his name” to be joint heirs with the Messiah in his kingdom. They would therefore have the believers wait for the kingdom for which they pray, “Thy kingdom come;” assuring them that the narrow path which leads to the kingdom signifies much experience in tribulation aa fitting and preparing them for a share in that kingdom, by developing in them good characters as copies of God’s dear Son. How necessary that this should be the exhortation to believers still ! The kingdom is a great prize, and he who would attain it must run faithfully and endure hardness, and that unto the end of his race. For such is laid UD a crown of righteousness which the Lord of righteousness ;vill give him in that day. PA., MAY 15, 1897 No. 10

VOL. XVIII --___-___-

ALLEGHENY,

VIEWS
THE

FROM THE
DIVINE

WATCH

TOWER

RIGHT OF KINaONE TO SEED “A dispatch from Berlin relates that the Emperor William tion of the people. The writer, when in Russia, seeing the ‘has attended the consecration of two new churches, and prePortrait everywhere, inquired who it represented, and was sented to each a Bible containing his autograph and a text answered, “That is Nicholas-that is our god.” of Scripture.’ The text in one was from John (15:5), ‘WithThe pope at Rome is the third pope, but, divested of out me ye can do nothing;’ in the other, from Jeremiah (7 :23), power, his influence depends upon his securing support to ‘Obey my voice, and I will br your God, and ye shall be my his claims by civil rulers (not SO ambitious as those of Gerpeople.’ many and Russia) ~110 are willing to give him their allegi“These texts written by any other sovereign, even the czar, ance. The only one willing to do this today is the emperor would have Dassed without further notice than as showing of Austria. his orthodoxi, his desire to set an example in faith to hi;; Here we have the three Emperors of Europe representing people, but coming from William they excite a wholly differautocratic powers and most opposed to everything like religAdmitting that the dark suspicions of his inent thought. ious or political freedom of thought or action, and all are sanity heard from time to time are the inventions of his enebelievers, almost to the extent of insanity, that the secular mies, ample reason remains to believe that be is not always and religious control of the world is in their hands by divine fully responsible for his language or his acts. appointment. It is not strange, therefore, that the recent “Roman emperors set up statues of themselves and cornvisit of tbca German Emperor to 111~ Emperor of Austria mantled the people to bow down to them in worship, in Hungary, followed by a visit of the latter ruler to the EnIanpuane not verv different from that which this man has peror or Czar of Russia, has given rise to the conclusion that explains why the newspaper writers rep;at&ly used. “That an alliance of the three empires of Europe is about to be consummated. Not only do the autocratic and “divine right” pitched upon those texts, which would hare been passed unheeded if inscribed by any other man.“-The Pittaburg Daly sentiments of their rulers favor such an alliance, but theil temporal interests :Is well. News. Russia is glad to drop fickle France with the republican sentiments, and Germany is glad In the German Emperor we have the father, papa or pope, to drop poor and weak Italy. On the whole, the “Imperial of Germany-its earthly god or mighty one, whose will must Alliance” is the strongest national combination of modern be done in Germany, as the Almighty’s will is done in heaven. times. The design evidently is that at the proper time AUSHe is the civil and ecclesiastical head of the so-called “Protestria and Russia will divide European Turkey, while Germany He holds the reins of power and so protant Germany.” ~ili he prrmitted quietly to absorb Holland, her navy and her claims himself; and his subjects, while gene@p repudiating colonies. At such a time Great Britain will probably improve such claims! are so bound by their necesslt,ies and by the her opportunity to take possession of Palestine, and thus will power put into their emperor’s bands, t,bat they cannot help its doors he again thrown open to the Jew, and under conthemselves. ditions more favorable than ever before, facilitating the fulIn the Czar of Russia we have another pope, the civil and filmrnt of prophecy to this effect. A few years would work ecclesiastical head of the millions of Russia and the Greek mxrvelou~ &~ngc* there under such conditions. Meantime tbe poses as God’s vicegerent or Catholic church; who similarly preparations for Jewish colonization progress at a wonderful Less enlightened than the Germans, many of representative. 1ate among .Jewi-ish “Zion” societies. his subjects would worship him if so commanded. Indeed, THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORE IN RUSSIA they do enshrine and worship his representative, the minister “The Anglican church appears to weary of her ‘splendid of religion, whose portrait by law is exposed in all public Not content with collecting, as she will this year, isolation.’ offices with a continually lighted lamp before it, for the adora[21611

! 144.142)

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ALLEGHENY.

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.lil 11t,1hlster and daughter churches at Lambeth, in a gatherI!I:: which will include representatives from every continent, mtl :lt least prove to the world that she is as little insular in influence as in aims, she is making overtures of friendship to other churches which she once regarded only as hostile rivals. It 1s but a few months since some of her leading spirits asked Rome once more to acknowledge her rank in the Christian Hierarchy by admitting the validity of her Orders, and now she is making overtures, or at least offering courtesies, to the Holy Orthodox church, a corporation as ancient as that of I:IOIII~. <,Imost as proud and independent, and destined in the II+‘;\1 !rltlll t’. to as large an area of sway or influence. The .\~~lll~ishop ot York is hardlv visiting the great ecclesiastics taf l:uss~;l out of mere curios&y, or with a desire to reveal to them that there are Protestant prelates as dignified and as secure in their dignity as themselves. He undoubtedly wishes to draw the churches closer. if only in the bonds of friendship.“-London Spectator. ’ There seems little likelihood of union between the church of England and the Greek church of Russia; but evidently they desire to draw closer together. Not long since all Protestant, wwt~tl 8 lix10u~ to t;lkr thr Gospel to the poor benighted ones deluded by the Greek and Roman Catholic churches into the worship of images, offering of incense before pictures, etc. But a desire to count numbers ant1 make a fair show in the flesh is changing all this. On this visit the London GZobe says:“It turns out that one object of Archbishop Maclagan’s visit to Russia was to carry thk ecclesiastical authorities ihere thca auh\v~ of the EuLrlihh PrimatcJs to the Pooe’s Bull. The ‘Novoe Vremya’ is among the Russian newspapers which welcome the Archbishop. His visit, says that journal, ‘emphasizes the fact that in spite of all national, social, economic, political and religious diff-crences between &ilieedcountries -and peoriles.. the asniration for the unitv of the churches is continuallv breaking forth.’ Dr. Maclagak has been cordially receiveh wherever he has gone, both by Russian churchmen and high di[tC functiomil it’>.”

the future punishment of the wicked in the world to come. “5. In the assertion of the final restoration of all men to the favor of God in a state of probation after death. “6. The sinking of religion into mere humanitarism, bounded only by the second table of the law, and in which God has no rights, through the practical abolition of the first table. “7. The significant omission, in a scheme professing to define the gospel of Christ, of the necessity of faith in the Redeemer and of repentance for sin, of love to God or any of the graces of the holy spirit. “We purposely omit the mention of others clearly implied in the language of the bishop, confining ourselves to those which are eip&itly avowed and ‘which sprhg of necessity from It is not our design to inflict the seed-nlot of Pantheism. upon thii community a theological controversy -which must range over the entire field of Christian doctrine-and that, too, before a tribunal which has no power to issue the case in a formal verdict. “But, set for the defense of the faith as ministers of the gospel, entire silence would implicate us in the guilt of betrayal of the truth. We cannot, therefore, but deliver, once for all, this testimony against another gospel than that dell\ered 113 in the Word of God. Side by side with this. our protest, we append the syllabus of Bishop Sessums, that the reader may compare the two and judge for himself upon the issue made.” We are glad to note that the ministers of New Orleans as a whole are so loyal to the teachings of God’s Word respecting the fall of man and his redempiion by “the precious Glood of Christ.” We are sorry that in the Northern States there are few ministers who still hold to these cardinal and fundamental doctrines. But what is driving off, from the teaching of the Bible. Bishop Ses5ums and many (the majority of city ministers) in the North? It is the failure to recognize the logical results of the Ad“ransom for all. 1” that he “tasted death for eve, 11man.” mit the value of the nrecious blood as “a DroDitiation I&isFORTY-SEVEN MINISTERS PROTESTED faction] for our sins [^the church’s sins], ani no’t for ours’ only. Recently Bishop Sessums of the Episcopal church, New but also for the sins of the whole world,” and thinking people Orleans, preached a discourse which was printed m the will not be driven by the wholesale from their faith m it. Picayune. Something of its character may be judged by the But such an admission of the true value of the blood proves following items of protest published in the T%me<-Den&rat a future opportunity for knowledge and trial for the millions (New Orleans). May 6. ‘97. over the signatures of forty-seven who have gone down into the great prison-house of death withministers of t&t city, ‘as f&lows:U out, knowledge and trial. As surely as the ransom was for all, “The undcrsignex ministers of the Gospel in different so surely all must be brought to a knowledge of t,he truth branches of the Church of Jesus Christ unite in this Dublic soon or later--else, so far as the mass of mankind is concerned, protests against the exposition of Christianity given by &shop Christ died in vain; for, surely, hundreds of millions died be‘11; put forth in the Picayune under the sanction of SfMUIIl~. fore the ransom was given, and other hundreds of millions a complete surrender of his name. It is, in our judgment, have died since without knowledge of the only name glvtan the whole system of grace revealed in the holy Scriptures. So under heaven or amongst men whereby we must be saved. far from being ‘the old religion in the new language,’ it is Let God and his Word be true! The sacrifice has been another religion in language which does not contain a single offered and accepted, the church has been and is being blessed new suggestyon. The s$la~us offered to us is only a compeid by it, and by and by, “in due time,” it shall be testified to of thtl oltl ht~l(&~s whic+h hilve afflicted the Church of God in all;- and that will be the world’s trial time, as this is the The ‘old religion’ is swept out. of the Scriptures ages past. church’s. No Scripture can be found which limits the testiw ro~rpldely tlut not a trace is left of that ‘grace of God mony and blessing resulting from the shedding of the precious This will appear from the followwhich bringeth salvation.’ blood to the present age or the present life. Quite to the ing specifications of its numerous errors:contrary;-unless there be a future opportunity for the ma“1. Its undisguised Pantheism, in denying the personality jority of our race, many precious promises of God will fail, of the divine Being, reduces him to a mere fetich. including his promise and oath to Abraham,-“In thy seed ‘2. The t>\-pltcit tImid of the fall of man from a state of shall all the families of the earth be blessed;” and our dear primitive holiness, with the derivation of a corrupt nature conRedeemer will not be the “True Light which lighteth every sequent thereupon. man that cometh into the world.” “3. In the express tlenial that Christ hath ‘redeemed us We, too, object to such a future probation as pantheists by his blootl,’ lleing not a sacrificial offering for sin, but conteach, and therefore can agree to protest No. 5. But we sisting merely in the influence of a good example reclaiming heartily believe in, and advocate as the only key to the harman from the error of his way. mony of the Bible, a future probation for all who have not had one in the present. life;-because a probation for all was open tl~~.~~ow;~l of ht>lief in auy judicial III t,lllb ‘4 bought by the one sacrifice, given once for all at Calvary. thr ~ilmcr, illId the ahsolute denial of piwcess ,Ig::tiu*t

METHODIST

E?TIMATE

OF BROTHERHOOD
recipient even professes to follow Christ or Anti-Christ;a.nd that by a prominent exponent of Christian brotherhood. The Philadelphia Record says that the news from the financial centers of Europe is to the effect that the moneylenders “are willing to lend Turkey five times as much money as Greece, at one-half the interest.” Sentiment weighs in the pulpit, the platform and the press, but goes for naught in the financial aflairs of the world-great and small. “I tell you,)) said a rabid Free-thinker, “the idea that there is a God never comes into my head.” “Ah, precisely like my “But there is this differencehe does dog,” was the reply. not go round howling about it.“--Selected.

Quite a commotion has been caused in Methodist circles lately by the published statement that “The Methodist Book Concern” of New York has a Roman Catholic foreman over its Composing Iioolu another is assistant foreman in the Press Room. and another is foreman of thr Bible publishing department.’ These, it seems, are gradually dischargiqg P&e&ants Rev. Dr. and supplying their places with Roman Catholics. Mains. one of the managers of the Concern, explaining away the matter said (as rep&cd by the Boston’ He;ald) t‘hat h& He had called him a Catholic.” foreman “was nrobablv ‘Brother’ Cassidi many ‘years without knowing or carzng what Christian brotherhood has become very his religion was.” cheap when given without knowledge or care as to whether the [2152]

THE

SECRET

OF A HAPPY

DAY

Just. to let thy Father do what he will; Just to know that he is true, and be still. Just to follow, hour by hour, as he leadeth; Just to draw the moment’s power, as it needeth. Just to trust him, that is all. Then the day will surely be Peaceful, mhatso’er befall, bright and blessed, calm and free. Just to let him speak to thee through his Word, Watching, that his voice may be clearly heard. Just to tell him everything, as it rises, And at once to him to bring all surprises. Just to listen, and to stay where you cannot miss his voice. This is all! and thus today, you communing, shall rejoice. Just to ask him what to do all the day, And to make you quick and true to obey. Just to know the needed grace he bestoweth, Every bar of time and place overfloweth. Just to take thy orders straight from the Master’s own command. Blessed day! when thus we wait always at our Sovereign’s hand.

Just to recollect his love, always true; Always shining from above, always new. Just to recognize its light, all-enfolding; Just to claim its present might, all-upholding. Just to know it as thine own, that no power can take away; Is not this enough alone for the gladness of the day? Just to trust, and yet to ask guidance still; Take the training or the task, as he will. Just to take the-loss or gain; as he sends it; Just to take the iov or nain. as he lends it. He who formed thei for-his ‘praise will not miss the gracious aim ; So, today, and all thy days, shall be molded for the same. Just to leave in his dear hand little things, All we cannot understand, all that stings. Just to let him take the care sorely pressing; Finding all we let him bear changed to blessing. This is all ! and yet the way marked by him who loves thee best ; Secret of a happy day, secret of his promised r&. -Frances Ridley Eauergd.

ENOCH, ELIJAH

AND

THE

SENTENCE

our Lord’s statement above quoted, that must be understood The answer to the following query may interest others than to refer to the air-as, when- it is.said that “the fowl fly in the inquirer :-the midst of heaven:” it certainlv cannot refer to the heavenlu “Since ‘death passed upon all men,’ because of Adam’s condition, which flesh and blood cannot enter nor even see sin; and since all had to be redeemed before they could escape without a change of nature, which change has been promised from that death sentence, how came it that En&h and Elijah only to the Gospel church. escaued from it before the redemption-orice was paid?” Understanding, as above shown, that Enoch was preserved We answer, that they did not escape; but were-still under from actual dissolution in death-altho, already under that the sentence of death until the ransom was paid. The execusentence, legally dead (Rom. 5:12 : Matt. 8 :22) until the rantwn of the sentence of death was deferred in their cases, and som-price for all was paid by our Lord’s death-we can see their lives prolonged; but they would eventually have died had that there will now be no necessity for his dissolution, but that After father Adam was sentenced thev not been redeemed. when the due time shall have come he map be fully and comhe--lived nearly a thousand years, but under his particular pletely restored from eveu the measures bf human imperfecsentence he could not have lived more than a thousand years; tion he had inherited to full. oerfect manhood. because the sentence read. “In the dav that thou eatest thereAnd since “a day with the Lord So, too, it will be with ‘those of the world who will be of, dying thou shalt die.” living when the “times of restitution” are fully ushered in: it is as a thousand years” (2 Pet. 3 :8), his death was fixed to But God left the way open to will not be necessary for them to go into the tomb. take nlace within that “dav.” For altbo they are already legally dead, in that condemnation (or makel tynes of Enoch and- Elijah, and hence, so far & they sentence) to “death passed upon all men,” yet their penalty and the -remainder of the human family were concerned, no has also been legally met by another, Christ. He now holds limit of time for the execution of the sentence was fixed. If, the judgment against all, but graciously offers to cancel it therefore, it pleased God to have it so, they might have con: entirely for each one who will accept restitution to life and tinued to live for thousands of years, under the death senperfection on the conditions of the New Covenant. tence, without dying. In Elijah’s case, altho he was transAs during this Gospel age the church, altho once, under lated, it is not said that he did not die afterward. His transsentence, they were dead in trespasses and sins, are reckoned lation made a type, as we have seen (MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. as freed from condemnation, as justified. and as having nassed 11, Chapter viii), and he may have died and been buried afterfrom death unto life when. they accept Christ’s me& -under ward, unknown to men, as was Moses.-Deut. 34.6. the ‘New Covenant. so it will be in the Millennial aee with But with Enoch the case was different, as we are expressly those of the world’who, upon learning it, accept Go& offer told that he did not die. In his case, therefore, it is evident of life. They also will be reckoned as having passed from that the execution of the sentence was deferred, but there is death unto life-as tho tber had been utterlv dead and then no evidence that it was annulled. He. therefore. remained been awakened. So compleie is the reckoning that those who under that sentence of death until he waq ra?uonied by our As a member of the fallen race, he was an then sin wilfully, and forfeit their reckoned life, die the Lord’s death. second death, altho they all may not actually have died hefore. imnerfect man. and altho redeemed, and altho a restitution to And indeed so too it is now with the Gospel church-if after human perfection is provided for him in the divine plan, we we, through faith in Christ, are reckoned as no longer dead, are not certain that he is yet a perfect man. For the Apostle but alive toward God through Jesus Christ, we were to sin seems to teach that none of those whose faithfulness was atwilfully, intentionally, we would thus bring upon ourselves tested before the Gospel call was made will be mode perfect again (a second time) the full penalty of sin, death, and this until after Christ and his bride are made uerfect. He says would be the second death. (Heb. 11:39, 40), aPter enumerating many of the ancient But while there are such similarities between the Lord’s worthies, Enoch included, verse 5, “These all, having obtained methods now and in the next ape for justification of life. or witness through faith, received not the promise [everlasting passing from death unto life r&konediy, there are very diflife, etc.], God having provided some better thing [priority of ferent-arrangements for the two ages for the actua2 passing time as well as of bnnor and position] for us [the Gospel out of death into life. when the trial of each is finished. The church], that they [the ancient worthies] without us [apart church of the Gospel ‘age walks by faith entirely, and not by from us1 should not be MADE PERFECT.” And since the church, sight. Her trial occurs before the actuai settzng up of the the body of Christ, has not yet been perfected in glory, it is kinadorn, and hence each one as he finishes his course. must but a reasonable inference that wherever Enoch is and howwaii for’ the crown of life. They “all die like men,” and the ever happy and comfortable he may be, he is not yet made world recoanires no difference. But while thev aetnallv die a perfect man, and ~111 not be until all the members of the the same a”s other men, God keeps up the reck&ed difference body of Christ have been made perfect in the divine nature. between those who have accepted his offer of life and beAs to where God took Enoch, we may not know, since God come his children and others who have not done so. Hence in Should we speculate as to whether has not revealed that. Scripture believers are not said to be dead, but to be sleeping God took him to some other world, and for what purpose, it until the “morning,” when according to God’s prearranged would be but an idle speculation. We may not be wise above plan. +uc.h sbxll have actually and in full measure the life now We may be certain, however, that Enoch did what is written. reckoned as theirs under God’s covenant in Christ. Thus our not ao to heaven-the spiritual state or condition-for such Lord spoke of Lazarus and others as sleeping, and the “No man hatb ascended up to heaven but he is the record: that came down from heaven-even the Son of Man.” (John apostles’ writings refer to “those who sleep in Jesus.” And 3:13) Elijah is said to have ascended to heaven; but, ‘from See June 15, 1919, issue for critical examination of Covenants. (145-149) [ 21531
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t 145-146)

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ALLEGHENY.

PA

the Scriptures, throughout, preserve the same sentiment, sayirig.---“Weenine mav endure for a night. hut jov cometh in th;‘morning;““” I shall be satisfied wh& ‘I awake’in thy likeare parneee,” etc. The only exceptions to this “sleeping” ticularly mentioned by the Apostle, when he says, “We shall not all sleep, altho we must all be changed.” Those living in the time when our Lord begins to take his great power and reign. altho thev all must die, because cousecrated even unto deith, yet they will not “sleep;” their “change” to spirit-being coming in the moment of dying. And in this blessed time (according to the evidence prevented in MILLENNIAL DAWN, Vo18. 2 and 3) we believe we have been living since April, 1875 A. D. What a blessing this is we find stated by our Lord,-“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from hencefort&yea, saith the spirit, they reet from their labors [from

weariness, but their works follow with them.“-Rev. 14:13. But during the Millennial age it will be somewhat different. Tho8evwho accept the Ne> Covenant will no more get the perfect life instnntiy than we do now. They will get-it at the end of the Millennial aee. ae we eet it at the end of the Gospel age. Yet not just thve’same; f& the Gospel church, as we have seen, has waited in the sleep of death for the Close of the age and the reward of the perfect life, while the faithful of the Millennial age, instead of dying, will gradually improve in health-mental, moral and physIcal-until perfection will he reached by all euch. at the close of the Millennial age. Meantime, those who sin ‘wilfully against full light and full ability will he accounted to have committed the sin unto death; and death to such, even if born in the Millennium, will be the second death.

IF YE DO THESE
“For

THINGS

if yet do these things, ye shall never fail; for 80 an entrance shall he ministered unto u-~ abund~- vou ---~~-Pet. 1: 10, 11. antly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.“-2 indicate the possibility of the glorious inheritance to all who This etatement of the Apostle Peter i8 suggestive of eevare called, there is also the implied possibility of failure to to oral imUortant thoughts : (1) It indicates the possibility enter into it. There is an “if,” a colltingency, upon which the the cla& addressed %f “an ‘abundant entrance into the everscale8 of divine judgment as to our worthiness or unworthiness lastina kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” of the inheritance must turn. And it is in view of this conThis s the %rize of the high calling of the overcoming saints tingency that Paul urges all the called one8 to great sobriety of the Gospel age. True, when we consider its exceeding of mind and carefulness of conduct. saving. “Let him that alorv. faith is Drone to starrper at the promise that, poor and thinketh he standeth take heed lest hc fa?l;“‘and again, “Let &perfect though we be, GGd proposes in the age8 -to come us therefore fear lest, a promise being left US of en&ring into to show the exceeding riches of his erace in his kindness his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” It is toward us through Cl&t Je8U8. (Epg 2 : 7.) Nevertheless, not enough; therefore, that we have consecrated ourselves to such is the case: “unto ue are given the exceeding great and God ae living sacrifices; that we have covenanted to follow in precious promises, that by these we might be partaker8 of the footsteps of Jesus; for the consecration, the covenant, the the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in promise, will avail nothing if we prove unfaithful to it, exthe world through lust”-through the worldly desires! “the cept to rise up in judgment against us. “Better is it that lu8t of the fleclh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of Irfe.“thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 John 2:16. not pay.“- Eccl. 5:4, 5. See also Deut. 23:2123; Prov. 20: These exceeding great and precious promises contemplate 25; Heb. 10:35, 39; Pea. 15; Luke 9:62; .John 15:6; Acts the adoption of these called one8 by the great Sovereign of .5:-L 5. the whole universe a8 his eons and heirs; a8 joint-heir8 with (3) Cur attention is next drawn to what is implied in thit his only begotten Son, the heir of all things: they shall be expressed contingency-“If se do these thinas.” What thines? with him where he is and behold his glory; and they shall put --The reference-is to the things mentioned in the precedyng 06 this mortality, 8nd. like him, who-is “the express imageof verses; ZtiE., that with all diligence we add to our faith for the Father’s nerson.” they shall be clothed with immortality. titude; and to fortitude knowledge; and to knowledge selfSo shall theybe forever with the Lord. and eee him ae he is; control, and to self-control patience; and to patience god11 for they shall he like him. Having overcome the world, they ne8s ; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brother]? shall sit with him in his kingdom, even ae he overcame and kindness love.” sat down with the Father in his kingdom.-Rev. 3:21. It is important to observe here that while all of these “Fear not, little flock,” says the prospective Bridegroom virtues are imperative requirements of those who would be of the church, “for it i8 your Father’8 good pleasure to give esteemed of God a8 faithful, they are only of value as thev you the kingdom, ” “for the Father himself loveth you, because are added to, or built upon; a foundation of faith--“Giving ye have loved me and have believed that I came out from all diligence add to your faith.“-your “nrecioue faith.” a8 God.” Nor will he give the kingdom to his beloved gruding describgd in veree 1. -This -faith is ‘our abiding confide&e in ly; for Peter eaye, “an entrance shall be ministered unto you the divine plan of salvation, which centers in the redemption abundantly :” there will he a glorious welcome, a joyous greetaccomplished through the precious blood of Christ, who freel! ing and a coronation jubilee among all the heavenly hosts gave himself a raneom for all. No righteousness of our own when the laurels of victory are placed upon the heads of all without this foundation of faith can avail anything to corn the overcoming soldiers of the crose, the heroes who nobly mend ue to God. All our works of righteOUsne88 must be fought the good fight of faith-who kept the faith, fought the built upon this faith. fight against the world, the flesh and the devil, and finished But is not faith in Christ sufficient unto salvation withtheir course in faithfulness even unto death. out the subsequent doing of anything? To this the Scriptures All this abundance of grace and glory ie the possible inplainly answer that a faith that Christ will save us in our heritance of even the weakest saint who, trusting not to his sins-while we still love sin and do the works of sin-is a own ability to make his calling and election cure, humbly looks misplaced faith; for Christ never proposed to cave ue in our to God for strength from day to day to endure hardness a8 sine, but from our ains; and God is faithful to forgive sins If RIIV rndn :Ittempte to do this in his own ;t good soldier. and to cleanse from all UnrighteOUsIre those who come unto strength. he must surely fail: for the fiery trial that is to try him by Christ,-through faith in his shed blood (sacrificed every-one will prove too much for the- mind of the flesh; but life) a8 the propitiation or satisfaction for our sins-and in God who worketh in the consecrated to will and to do his his cleansing power. “He that saith, I know him [Christ, ae good pleasure, will 80 fortify and equip those who depend my Lord and Saviour], and keepeth not his commandments upon his grace, that, with the Psalmist, they can say, “It is [to do the works of righteousness, and to bring forth the God that girdeth me with strength. . . . By thee I have fruits of repentance of sins], is a liar,” cave the Awstle John. run through a troop, and by my God have I leaped over a *‘and the t&h is not in hi&.” wall : ” and with Paul. “I can do all things through Christ. (1 John 2:4) Therefore td Apostle Paul also exhort8 believers, saying: “Beloved, work who strengtheneth me.“-Pea. 15:32, 29; Phil. 4:13: out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it, is (1) Let UR not fe8r. then, to lay hold Upon the exceeding God who worketh in you both to will and do of his good great and precious promises when we are 80 fully assured that pleasure.“-Phil. 2 : 12. 13. he who has begun the good work in Us will finish it, if we let “This is the victory that overcometh the It wae God that provided for ue the redemption that is him. (Phil. 1:6) in Christ Jesue, and it is God that has drawn ue unto himworld, even your faith”-not faith in ourselves; for we can self and that ha8 promised ue all needed grace to walk in the have no confidence in the flesh. The poor, weak and faltering paths of righteousness; and more, even to follow in the footflesh does not warrant u8 in reposing-confidence in its ability prints of Jesus in the.way of self-aacrifice. While, therefore, for the great re8DOn8ibilitieS of soldiers of the croes. We with fear and trembling,-with great carefulness-we endeavor must draw our supplies of wisdom and strength from above: to work out our salvation, it is our privilege alwaya to realize they are not within ue except a8 implanted there by the the promised grace to help in every time of need, and to be Spirit of God. confident that our beet eforts toward righteousness are ac(2) WT’~lie\-t notice that while Peter’s words encouragingly I21641

MAY 15. 1837

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(147 -150)

have patience with every effort toward good, however weak,ceptable to God when presented through the merit of the patience with the poor, blinded world! with the “babes in righteousness of Christ, imputed to us by faith. Christ,” with the slow and stupid, with the excitable and - Having this foundati&, then, and “having escaped the blundering, with the over-confident Peters and the skeptical corruntion that is in the world through lust”-through the Thomases. But to have patience or fellowship with the “undesir& of the flesh-and having by fa?th laid hold also on fruitful works of darkness” and sin, is the perversion of this the “exceeding great and preci&s-promises” of being made grace ; for these, wherever found, should be promptly and nartakers of the divine nature and joint-heirs with Christ of sharply reproved and rebuked according to their evil intent; his kingdom and glory, and being a”tious to make our “callwith atience, nevertheless, toward the repentant prodigals, ing and election sure,” let us consider these additions to our and af ways with meekness. faith, which, if possessed and continuously cultivated, are the It is noticeable that the Lord seems to forewarn his peoassurance that we shall never fall, and that an abundant enple of great need of patience in the “harvest” or end of this trance into the kingdom shall be granted to us. age: patience toward fellow-men, and patience in the warThe first addition (virtue) is fortitude or strength of charfare against evil, and in waiting for the Lord’s time and This implies the cultiva%on of the acter in righteousness. method of setting right the wrongs of “the present world.” strictest integrity in our dealinw. both with God and with The poor world, lacking faith, fortitude, knowledge of the hon%y, justice and truth being our fellow m&.i,%rupulous divine plan and patience will fall a ready prey to unrest and The Psalmist clearly defines it thus, saythe only standard. anarchy in the near future. The Word of the Lord to his and worketh righteousness, ina. “He that walketh uprightly, people is,-“Ye have need of patience.” an3 speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not The fifth addition is godliness, god-likeness, iety,-that with his tongue? nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up devout, controling reverence for God which yiel 8 s a hearty, a reproach against his neighbor; in whose eyes a vile person cheerful, loving conformity to his will-fervency of spirit in is condemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He serving the Lord. This is a later development and vital elethat sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not [i. e., who ment in the Christian character. Piety, godliness, springs will not violate a contract found to be unfavorable to him.1 spontaneously from appreciative and grateful hearts, whose deHe that putteth not out his money to usury [taking unjusi light is in the law of the Lord, in meditation upon his preadvantage of the necessities of othersl. nor taketh reward cepts and promises, and in secret communion with God in He that doeth th&e things shall never ilgaiIlst vtllr innocmt. prayer and praise. Loving, cheerful activity must result from be moved.” (Psa. 15) Such a one is a virtuous man, a man such an inner life; for out of the abundance of the heart the of fortified or strong character. mouth speaketh, and the whole being is quickened to new life. The second addition is knowledge-the knowledge of God Only those who have a living faith in God, and who are forand of his righteous will concerning us (revealed through his tifying their characters against evil and growing in knowledge Word, by the holy Spirit). Neglect of this divinely appointed and self-control and patience are prepared to appreciate the means of knowledge is equivalent to setting up our own imgrandeur of the divine character; and only such are really perfect standard of righteousness and ignoring the divine energized by a desire for God-likeness. It is therefore important that we give all diligence standard. The sixth addition is brotherly kindness, which of necesto the study of the divine oracles that we may be fortified in sity grows out of godliness. As god-like-ness presupposes the faith and works accordingly. other graces mentioned, so its development implies an apprecThe third addition, self-control, is one of the most importiation of divine justice and beneficence, and will broaden and He that ruleth his own ant elements of good character. deepen our sentiments toward all the well-disposed, however spirit is greater than he that taketh a city, is the counsel of imperfect, and especially will it enlarge our hearts to all who the wise man; and many a victorious general has yet to learn are of the household of faith-“the brethren.” Self-control has to do with to conquer and control himself. The seventh addition is charity, love,-the bond of perall our sentiments, thoughts, tastes, appetites, labors, pleasures, fectness which unites all the other graces, and as a uame stands sorrows and hopes. Its cultivation, therefore, means a high for them all. order of character-development. Self-control, accompanied bJ Love to God alone is not the full manifestation of this faith, fortitude, knowledge from on high, implies increase(1 grace; nor can there be, according to the teachings of God’s zeal and activity in divine things and increased moderation in Word, a sincere love for God, without a corresnondinp love to earthly things, in judgment, in conduct, in the regulation of man : “If a man say, I love God,” says the Aposae John, temporal affairs, etc. “Let your moderation be known unto “and hateth his brother, he is a liar, for he that loveth not all men.” his brother whom he hath seen, how. can he love God whom The fourth addition is patience. Time is a very necessary he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20) And Jesus said, “By this element in the process of perfecting every good thing. The shall all men know that ye arc my disciples, if ye have love fruit hastily plucked is the unripe, hard, sour, bitter fruit. one to another.“-John 13:35. Time, as well as pruning and fertilizing and cultivating and It is the abounding of these graces of character added to shower and sunshine, is necessary to the ripe and luscious our faith in Christ as our Redeemer and Saviour that insures fruitage that delights the taste. So it is also with the fruitthe soul against the possibility of falling: “If ye do these age of plans and purposes, of education and of grace. God’s things, ye still never fall.” deep designs work out slowly, not only in his great universal The contingency is not in the doing of these things perfectly, and regardless of the rightgovernment, but also in the hearts and minds of his intelligent eousness of Christ to cover our trangressions and compensate creatures. God is operating all things according to his own for our daily shortcomings; but if, added to our faith in the will along the lines -of the- llxed pr&ciples of his wise and To be imimputed righteousness of Christ, we have cultivated all these riehteous laws-physical. moral and intellectual. pa’tient in any c& is foolishly to insist upon having the ungraces to the extent of our ability, we shall not fall. When ripe, hasty, sour, bitter fruitage, which, if the Lord grant it, we have done all that we can do, we are still unprofitable will prove a sickening penalty for the impatience that deservants, not daring to trust in our own righteousness, but in manded it. “Let patience have her perfect work,” wait God’s the ample robe which is ours by faith in Christ, while, with Wait consistent “diligence,” time : ‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” we work out our own salvation with the Lord’s time and way and the indications of his will in fear and trembling, knowing that the righteousness of Christ every case, both with regard to ourselves and others and is only applied to such as desire to forsake sin and to pursue “they that put their trust in him shall never be confounded.” that “holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.“Faith, fortitude and knowledge prepare God’s people to Heb. 12 : 14.

“BECAUSE

JESUS WAS

NOT

YET

GLORIFIED”

A reader inquires for the evidence that our Lord Jesus has yet been glorified as we have taught in MILLENNIAL DAWN. He says, “From the Song of Solomon (2 : 10) and other places I gather the thought that he (our Beloved) is just as anxious for the marriage as we (the church) are;” and quotes from Rom. 8:17 and Col. 3 :4 “glorified together,” as proof that our Lord Jesus will not be glorified until the church is comHe refers to Heb. 1:Gf‘When he pleted and glorified. bringeth again the first begotten into the world he saith-Let all the angels of God worship him,” and holds that it will be fulfilled at the second advent of Christ. We reply, that the matter is settled beyond all peradven[2X5]

ture by the text which we use as the caption of this article,“The holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” So says the inspired Apostle. (John 7 :39) Hence, when, about fifty days afterward (after our Lord had finished his sacrifice and had been raised from the dead bv the Father’s power, and had ascended up on high there to appear in the presence of God on our behalf), the holv” Sairit was noured L t ~~~ out upon the church, at Pentecost, it became a sure in&cation that at that time our Lord had been glorified. Notice this point distinctly. If the holy Spirit was not given before, because Jesus was not yet glorified, it PROVES that when it was given, a little later, he had been glorified.

(I.51

156)

ZION'S

WATCH

TOWER

.~.LEC~IENY.

t'\

Come now, and see the picture of his own glorification, given to us by our Lord, through his servant John. (Rev. 1:l) It is recordid in Rev. ’ 5. Hi that sits upon the ‘throne is Jehovah. The scroll in his right hand is his Dlan for human redemption, sealed from all &til the one “w&thy” to carry out to completion its details should be found and proved “worthy.” The inquiry, “Who is worthy to open the book [scroll] and to loose the seals thereof?” had long been made: for four thousand years, from the giving of the promise that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head, it had been the query-Who shall be esteemed, by Jehovah God, to be worthy to perform his gracious purposes, and thus be honored above all others as the Servant (messenger) of the New Covenant of grace9 \lXeu silence prevailed, and none was found worth either in heaven or on earth (representing the condition o f things prior to the first advent), John began to weep, saying to himself: Alas! tho God has some gracious and wise plans for the welfare of his creatures, we may never know them, because none 1s found worthy to know or to execute them. So it was that even our Lord-Jesus, prior to the finishing of his sacrifice. as he then declared, did not know all about the Father’s plans, and times, a& seasons.-Mark 13:32. But John’s tears were soon dried, when the angel declared, “Weep not, for the Lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed [hath overcome, so as to be accepted and declared worthy] to open the scroll and to loose the seals thereof.” We know well who is meant; and the further unfolding of the panoramic vision leaves no doubt. Jesus our Lord ii symbolized bv a slain lamb restored to life, and to him was given the wobderful scroll which represents the divine plans,-with authority and power to accomplish them all. Then (after his resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father) he was glorified and received a name above every name; then all the angels of God worshiped him; the?& their thousands of thousands and myriads of myriads sang a new song, saying. “Thou al t worthy to take the scroll and to loose the seals; because thou was slain, and did& redeem* unto God with thy blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” “\Yorthv ix the Lamb that was slain. to receive the Dower. and we.~lth, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and* &OI$ and l~Ies*ing.” And when to him was thus given a name above every uanic, all the holy ones bowed and offered sweet incense of prayclr antI homage; hecause God had honored him bv deliver&g to him the s&o11 of wisdom, and the power and a<thority to execute all of its Drovisions. He is worthv: and the Anostle declares that it is nbw, therefore, God’s wfil’ that all “ihould
l Oldest MS, with evident not redeemed.

propriety,

omits us, smce the angels were

honor the Son even as they honor the Father.“-Acts 5:31; Phil. 2:9-11; John 5:23. Since his glorification the Lamb has been breaking the seven seals and thus opening the divine plans before men and angels, and we now living are privileged to share this knowledge more abundantly than othirs, be;ause, the last seal having been broken, the scroll is open to all who follow the Lamb in love and obedience and meekness; and “the mystery of God is laboutl finished.“-Rev. 10:7. Further- evidence on this subject is unnecessary; the testimony that our Lord was glorified, and invested with honor and power and dominion at his ascension, is overwhelming. His promise to his followers is that, as he overcame and was glorified to share the Father’s throne (glory, dignity, power), even so they, if faithful, will be glorified to share his throne (glory, honor). The sense of Heb. 1:4-6 (Diaglott) is that, when God had glorified Christ, mankind in general knew it not, but when, as God’s messenger, he is agayn presented to men; at his see: ond advent. it will be in full demonstration that all the angels of God (ail of God’s holy ones) worship, reverence and oobey him. And in the expression, we shall be “glorified together” the word “together” does not. mean simultaneouslv. at the same instant, %ut harmoniously, to share the same iiory. In proof of this, note the context (see Diaglott); the suffering “loath him” or “together” does not mean that we suffer at, the same time, but th& we share the same kind of suffering, for the same cause of faithfulness to God. and that in due time we shall be glorified “together;” i. e., in the sense of sharing the same glory wherewith our Lord has already been glorified. The glorification or instalment in honor and power should not, however, be confounded with the ctinge which occurred :lt our Lord’s resurrection; by which he was raised a spiritual being of the highest order, the divine nature. As the human body was termed a “body of humiliation,” so his spirit hod) is termed “a glorious body.” This, however. has nothing whatever to do w%h the glory or majesty of office to wh&h 0111 Lord was introduced fiftv davs later. I when “he ascended un L on high” and was received as a sharer of the Father’s throne. The l&ter glory and majesty is shortly to be made manifest to men,-“The elorrv of the Lord shall be revealed. and all flesh shill see it- together.” But they will not see t6e Lord’s glorious person, as our Lord declared before he died,-“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more.” Likewise ‘the church, the “overcomers,” his “body,” his “bride,” will in their resurrection change be granted spiritual and glorious bodies (1 Cor. 15 :42-44) and afterward “see him [the Lord] u he is” and be caused to share his glory, to sit with him in his throne.
” ”

KEEP

THY

TONGUE

FROM

EVIL

JUNE 6.-JAMES 3:1-l% “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.“-Psa. 34:13. “Be not many teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall way. As the bit in the horse’s mouth will move and control receive heavier judgment” (Revised Version.) Thus the Apostle his strength, and as the small rudder to a vessel will direct indicates that what he has to say concerning the great influor change its course, so the tongue and the pen, its represenence of the tongue is directed largely to those amongst betative, may influence and turn about large numbers of people, lievers who attempt to be teachers; who have a greater responfor good or ill. How important, therefore, is the tongue, and sibility than if they were not teachers. It is not his wish how much more frequently do we find it employed as an agency to deter those who have ability, a gift in this direction, but for evil than as an agency for good, to pull down the faith rather to caution all aa to the responsibility of the position they rather than to build up the faith, to implant, seeds of discord thus take. If they possess an eloquent tongue it may be a and discontent rather than those which will produce righteousness and peace ! While this is specially true in the worldly, it channel for a great blessing, swaying large numbers to the LIII rl, the t rllth and tlw way of ri~htwusnehs: or. on the other is true to a considerable extent amongst God’s people, and each hilll~l. it c ~iiit,irniiii~tc4 H itli CI ior, tlic* tonpw ciiii do ;tlinost should remember that to some extent he is a teacher, and day untellable harm-injury to faith, to morals, to good works. It by day is either forwarding or hindering the cause of truth, I lghteousness and peace. IS iutleed true, that whoever exercises the gift of teaching lays himself open to increased responsibility in the sight of God In the unregenerate world the tongue is indeed a “fire” causing no end of burning of wrath, envy, hatred, strife and and men.-See Matt. 5:19; Rom. 2:20, 21; 1 Pet. 5:3; Titus 1 . II . 1 l’llll. 1 7 . s 'rllll 4.3 : 2 ret. 2: 1. everything that defileth the entire body, stimulating all the itwll. fallen passions and desires. No wonder the Apostle declares The* \\:,I ning III this Icwon IS not :qa1nqt thtl ttutglt* figuratively that the tongue itself seems to be set on fire of but ;lg?rlln*t t110 po\\tl1 \\hich \\e exerc*ise U~OII othtkry by the Gehenna--the second death. Probably every person of experience use of our tongues. Its burning not, only tends to bring its master but. others to destruction. will fully agree with the statement that the tongue is potent In the statement, “Therewith bless we God, even the Father, In its influence beyond any other member of the body, for and therewith curse we men, which are made in the likeness either good or evil. Experience teaches also that with the vast majority it is easier to control any other organ than of God,” we should not understand the writer to refer to himtire to’lvlIe. So skillful ;I wrvant i* it tllilt every amhition and self and to the church as using the tongues for such unholy passion- and inclination of the fallen nature seeks to use it purposes, but as speaking for the whole world, some use the as a servant or channel for evil. It requires, therefore, on the tongue to praise God and some use it to blaspheme his holy name and to curse their fellow creatures. part of the Christian, increased vigilance, wisdom and care so It is a willing servant in whatever direction it is guided; and hence the imto govern this member of his body and bring it into subjection portance of having so important a servant and member rightly to the new mind in Christ, that it shall be, not. a hindrance to ~uitlwl. .\Pparentl;y, howrrer. there were some in the chuwh himself or to others, but, on the contrary, a help in the narrow [2156]

M\Y

15, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(151-152)

who out of the same mouth rendered thanks to God and curses to fellow creatures-perhaps not often curses in the ordinary acceptation of the term, but curses in the sense of injurious words, which would lead to a baneful or cursed or evil condition, for every false teaching is a curse to those who receive it. In this sense of the word at least, many out of the same mouth send forth both good and evil influences. This is a wrong condition, and hence the importance of the warning, “My brethren, be not many teachers.” Whoever would be a fountain from which would go forth the divine Word, carrying blessing and refreshment and strength, should see to it that bitter waters, false doctrines that would cause a curse, an injury--dishonoring God and perverting his Word-should not find in them a channel of utterance. In the choice of leaders for meetings the “tongue” qualification, as here laid down should not be overlooked. The fiery tongued should not be chosen, but the meeker, the moderate, who “bridle” their tongues and endeavor carefully to

“speak as the oracles of God” only. Such tongues con&rain, while others more frequently wound and repel. The Word of the Lord is quick and powerful and sharp and cuts “to the heart” without bitter and acrimonious and uncharitable human expletive5 to enforce it. Hence the divine instruction that we “speak the truth in love.” The lesson closes with an exhortation to those who have the qualifications of teachers in the church (wisdom and knowledge) to manifest themselves not merely by words and teachmgs, but by godly lives, good works, in meekness of wisdom. While this lesson is pointed specially toward “teachers,” it should be regarded by all. It is an old and true saying that “Kind words can never die,” and it would be equally true to say, “Unkind words never die.” Indeed, the latter live much the longer in a majority of cases-in worldlv hearts especially. Let us each and all redouble our energy in subjugating our tongues, that they may always bless and “minister grace to the hearers.“-Read Eph. 4 :29.

OUR STEWARDSHIP
a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ. and stewards of the mysteries of (:od. Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.“-1 Cor. 4:1, 2. and faithfulness of his appointed steward in respect to that We have heretofore called attention to the fact that every member of the anointed body, the church of Christ, is anointed which was entrusted to him. to preach the Gospel, the good tidings of the kingdom of The Apostle also says. “Moreover. it is required in stewards that a m& be found -f&thful. Th&s we see that the entire Deace. See our commission as recorded bv Isaiah f61:1-3) and quoted by our-lord in partial application to himself, thk bodv of Christ is called. not to indolent. self-comDlacent ease. but-to diligent and entefprising activity; and not :n the spirii Head of the anointed body. (Luke 4: 16-21) Paul, in the or a hireling, with eye-service as man pleasers, but with the above text. Doints to the same thinp. having sDecia1 reference to himself’ ind Apollos and Cephag (Pete;), *and a general intelligent. lovine interest and zeal of sons and heirs of God. reference to all who are Christ’s. (1 Cor. 3 :21-23) He would of m&is&s of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God: have us each remember that we are divinelv commissioned and It is indeed “reauired” of stewards to be thus active in the ordained ministers (servants) of Christ, ai Jesus also taught, divine service, an’d the Lord will not count us faithful if we simply be good and make little or no effort to do good; and saving to all who are branches in the true vine.-“Ye have ndt chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordain&l you, that even he who has only one talent is not excusable in folding that one talent away in a napkin, or in hiding it in the earth. ye should go and bring forth fruit.” (John 15 :16) He also It is, therefore, most imsaid. “Ye are the lieht of the world” and “the salt of the (Matt. 25 :24-28; Luke 19 :20-24) earth.” Dortant for every one to consider what are his talents, how ihey are employ&l, and whether his course of service is day The presence of this anointed body in the world is therefore for a purpose, a benevolent purpose toward, and in the bv dav aDDrOVed of God as faithful. ” In” th;s endeavoring to view ourselves as God views us, interest of, the world, even in the present life, tho their great and most successful ministry will be in the age to come, when it is important that we remember that not only the great exalted to power and great glory as kings and priests unto talents, such as large ability, mental or physical, large opGod. Tho the world at present knows not God and is not portunities of time and circumstance, or command of means, subject to the law of God, nevertheless, God in his abounding are noted by the Lord, but also that the small things are never grace so loved the world that he ave his only begotten Son to Call to mind the Lord’s teaching that overlooked by him. redeem them, and by and by, un f er the righteous reign of his even a cup df cold water given to a disciple because l% is a Millennial kingdom. he will restore and bless them, and the disciple shall not lose its reward ; that the poor widow’s two good news of-this’ redemption and the coming kingdom he mites were more highly esteemed than the larger offerings of would have testified to them even now. as be savs. “This Gosthe rich; and when we thus perceive that the Lord is judging pal of the kingdom shall be preached’in all th”e ‘world for a according to the thoughts and intents of the heart, the hum\vitness unto a71 nations, and %hen shall the end [of this age] blest sa% can see a&ple opportunities to prove ‘himself a come” (Matt. 24:14) : and in the coming aee the fruit of this faithful steward. The same test~mo~y also serves the testimony will appear. This also calls to mind the statement of the Apostle Paul further ordained purpose of gathering out of the world a (1 Cor. 12:22, 17-19), “Those members of the body which How true ! As in people for his name (Acts 15: 14). to be associated with seem to be more feeble are necessary.” Gh&t in the great work of the kingdom, of restoring “all the illustration, by far the larger proportion of the members things” and blessing “all the families of the earth.” Beinn are such; and their office in the body is just as necessary as anoiited with the goly Spirit, and ordained as ministers 02 that of the more notable members, for, “If the whole body If the whole were hearChrist and stewards of the mysteries of God, it is not merely were an eye, where were the hearing? our mission to live harmless lives-simply to abstain from vioing, where were the smelling? But now bath God set the lence, dishonesty, slander, etc.-e0 that men can say of us members, every one of them, in the body, us it hath DZea.sed that we never abused or cheated or illused them. This negahim. A&l if they were all one member, &ere were the body?” tive goodness is, of course, one side of a righteous character, What a blessed thought to every one who realizes himself and &e without which no’man is righteous: but more, mucl; a member of the body of Christ, that he has a place and an more. than this is required of a steward of God. There must office in the body to which God himself has wiscaly appoiuted be a’ positive, as weli as a negative, goodness. This we find him, and that that place and office belong to no one else. It exemplified in the case of our Lord Jesus, who was not only may now seem a humble place, but it is nevertheless an im“holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners,” but who portant, a necessary place; and in filling that place as a wise also “went about doing good” and was abundant in good works. and faithful steward be is approved of God, and by and by -Acts 10:38; 2:22. will be exalted to his kingdom and glory. It is this positive element of character and the recognized We know of some of these dear saints in the obscure obligation to -activity that are specially implied in the term places of the Lord’s vineyard, quietly and lovingly doing “steward” while the aDDointment bv the Lord to such an office with their might what their hands or heads or hearts find to is also a recognition bi him of thbse elements of a righteous do, and doing it so bravely, so nobly and so well ; and yet character without which no one is eligible to the office. A in their humility they are apparently all unconscious of the steward, therefore, is not a person of merely harmless charhalo of that beauty of holiness they are shedding around them acter, or one who is contented carefully to fold away in a to the honor of him whose name they bear. Praise God for napkin the talents entrusted to his care, so that the Lord, on all these evidences of his grace and thise fruits of his training his return, may find his own just as he left it, but he is one and discipline ! They are lights in dark places, tho generally, who makes a diligent and business like appropriation of his as in the case of our Lord, the darkness comprehends it not. one or many talents in the Master’s service, so that, at the Yet, nevertheless, there is produced by these lights an effect which men frel and which God will not overlook. time of reckoning, the Lord may not only find his own, but also as large an increase as possible, in evidence of the zeal M. F. RUSSELL. [2157] “Let

THE
“Through

CONFERENCE
-May 23.-Acts Jesus Christ 15:

AT

JERUSALEM

1-6, 22-29-

we shall he saved, even as they.“-Acts 15 : 11. Circumcision was given to Abraham and his posterity as *Jews, and which the Jews found it impossible to bear, and tram which they (believing Jews) had to he liberated through a sign or mark by which they attested faith in the tlivinc the melit of Christ. promises. It was obligatory upon every Jew who would maintain his relationship to the divine promises, and it is still Then Paul and Barnabas told how God had greatly blessed obligatory upon th& nation, (Gen.-17: 14) We are not to their ministry amongst the Gentiles, performing many miracles, forget, however, that a Jew, no less than a Gentile, is recketc., and in every way attesting his blessing upon their work; oned as losing earthly nationality in heroming a Christian. and yet that work had nothing in it respecting obligation to To all such. “old things oass away. all thines become new.” Mosey’ law ur God’< command to Abraham and his sef+---cirThey are thenceforth “gew& creatures’ in Christ .Jesns, member x clilrtc*lqioll of the “holy nation.” James, our Lord’s brother, was the president or chairman Inasmuch as circumcision In the fieah aa a mark iu thr of the meeting, and after hearing the foregoing coincided with flesh had been observed for over eighteen centuries hy all Peter, Paul and Barnabas, adding to the argument by citing recognired as God’s people, it should not surprise us to find from the prophets evidences (1) that the Gentiles would be rethat some of the early Christians. previously Jews, concluded ceived into divine favor and (2) that the reception of the Genthat it was still obligatory upon &li who ha-d heco&e chilrlrrll tiles was not to make them Jews, but that, on the contrary, of God. All the broad distinctions between the Law Covenant God had certain blessed provisions for the Jews to be fulfilled and the New Covenant were not clearly clistmgnished at first,subsequently,-“After this, I will return and build again the even the apostles appear for a time not to have distinguished tabernacle of David which is fallen down.” Since Israel is to Nevertheless, the Lord had held them, clearly on all points. be recognized in the future by the Lord as distinct from the as the special guides of the new ;lispenration, and had preGentiles, it follows that the particular national mark which disvented their making declaration on the snblect. until in his tinguishes .Tt>ws from Gentlles was not to he al~olisl~ed-was due time the matt& was brought clearly ti their attention; not to he made general amongst Gentiles, even after t,hey beand then they were guided aright. lieved and became God’s people. The Apostle Paul setms to ha\c hecn the first to get a The results of the conference were satisfclctO1y 10 all ~IW+ broadly comprehensive view of the lengths and breadths and ent, and it was decided to send a statement of the results to Ilri,~llts ant1 t1ept11s of the “N(lw Co\ ena Iit ijrovisions ; and u r tllc> Autloch rhulc 11. hot11 I)y writin, w and orally hy .Judas and are not to forget that he was probably helped miracnlouslp Silas. to this clearness of perception by beini gra&ed “visions anh Probably only the substance of the letter ih given in the Barnabas, his comrevelations” more than all the others. brief recorded statement; but it is sufficient to show clearly that pan~on in his misqionnry tour, was naturally thr first to share those who claim that the apostles we10 confused upon the subject this knowledge., and was evidently in full sympathy with the $0 as almost to make n split in the church, are greatly misApostle Paul in resisting the teachings of certain Jews who taklqn, tor in so many w&Is they positively tl~c~l;~r~ that thoqe attcbmptad to .Jurl.li7p the oxtwhile Gentiles who chiefly con~110 wmt out from them and troubled the church iit -4utiocl1, stituted the Antioch church. That the church was in uootl almost unsettling their faith and peace with the statement, spiritual health is evidenced b.y the fact that they were &lx“Ye must be circumcised and keep the law,” wcr(’ not reprch& to have the truth, what&r it might be. Accordingly they Stbntatives of the apostles, and had received no such commandreauested that Paul and Barnabas and certain of their comIt is refreshing .~nd strengthnlcut or teaching from them. paiy might consult with the apostles and elders at Jerusalem rninp 10 our f;l!th tn note that the Lord’s promiscl. special!y respecting the propriety of circumcision and the general obto hlcqs and use the apostles and keep thrm from error 111 servance of the Mosiac law on the part of those who were not their teaching, was remirkably fulfilled: as in thir case. Our Israelites by birth. And this plan was followed. Lord’!: words to them were. Whatsoever ve shall bind on earth, It was now nearly twenty years since our Lord’s resurrecshall b(a hound in heaven.’ and whatsoever ye shall lon*e 01; tion.; and as a result of the efforts put forth by believers, virrth, shall he loosed in heaven; in othrl ~wortl~;, I \\111 cw Christians were now to 1~ found in little groups throughout r):irticularlv direct vou that vou will make no mistakes in Asia-Minor and Syria. The brethren made use of the jour;c*xpcrt to”what yoh will command and in rcbzprct. to what ney to Jerusalem as an opportunity to refresh the hearts of you will forbid. God’s people in the various cities enroute, and these fellow The statement, “It seemed good to the holy Spirit and to Christians in turn gladly entertained them as members of the us,” should not be lightly supposed to signify that the apostles Lord’s body ;-setting a good example of hospitality. “guessed at” the mind of the spirit, nor that they put their Arrived at Jerusalem, they wete warmly welcomed by the own judgment on a par with that of the holy Spirit. We are apostles and friends of the truth who had heard much conto rem~rnber that thrq had spec+ial !!lttb oi thcx spll It wl1ic.h cacrning tlieir missionary journey and ita good results. Eviguided them into the understanding of the Lord’s will and they dently. hefore they got to a statement of the real object of merely assert here that not only was it the guidance of the holy their-iisit, a class”si&lar to those who had gone down-to AnSpirit, but that they themselv& were so in-sympathy that they tioch took exceptions to the method which the brethren had rejoiced that the holy Snirit had not A the bondage of the nut used amongst the Gentiles. They probably inquired, Were all law upon the Gentile*co&erts. the believing Gentiles whom you evangelized commanded to The Christians at Antioch were already well instructed conbe circumrised, and instructed that they should keen the law cerning the terms of the New Covenant, faith and the various of Moses? This opened up the question at once, a’nd led to added virtues and graces presented to us in the Pauline epistles. the announcement that the settlement of this question wac; the Such matters were-not entered into by the council at Jerusalem Accordingly a council of the aposvery object. of their visit. nor referred to in the letter which they wrote in renlv. The tles and elders was rnlled. inquiry was merely respecting the ohlig&ion of the c&erts to Verses 7-21 give probably but a small portion of the disbe circumcised and keep the other features of the Mosaic law. cussion. lt would seem that the question, What is the responsiThe answer ignored every feature of that law, except four bility of converts amongst the Gentiles toward the law of points ; and the first three of these were mentioned no doubt hlosc~s1 hat1 nc’vcr WNI~~’111)for ronsitlc>i .Ition pre\ ~oiirlv. and as a basis of common fellowship between those who had been the apostles, it would appear, were without very positive con- Jews dnd those wl\o had bceti Gentiles, ntlmel) (I i sbsl,iinPeter, one of victions until they began to discuss the subject. ing from meats that had been offered in sacrifice to idols; the oldest of the disciples, and a man of strong character, (2) abstaining from animal food that had not been killed IJointed out that Go11 16~1 &tle rhoicc of him a- The one whd after the manner of the Jews ; (3) abstaining from the eating should be first to open the Gospel door to the Gentiles; how of blood. It would he almost imnossible for those who had been Cornelius was the first of these converts, and how God poured reared as Jews to ignore these &ree points, and if the converts out the holy Spirit upon him and thus recognized him as a from the Gentiles did not observe them it would be a constant son and joint-heir with Christ, while as yet he was uncireumharrier to their social intercourse. Furthermore, the observance cized, thus proving that circumcision was not essential to diof the first restriction would be a benefit to those who were comvine reconciliation and sonship in the household of faith under ing out of Gentile darkness, in that it would break them off the New Covenant. He doubtless also called attention to the It was the custom from old customs which might be injurious. tilct that our l,old, 1, ho irlktruc*tecl them ta ttlac*lr all nation\ among Gentiles at that time that much of the meat sold in their :Intl to baptize tliosc~ who bc~licvrd. g,~vc no in*trurtioni markets should first be offered in sacrifice to some idol. The in rcfprrnce to circumci4on or any of the commands of the Anostle Paul shows. however (1 Cor. 8:4). that, as an idol is Mosaic law. He argued. therefore. that they had no right to nothing, the offering of the meat in the’presence of nothing put upon the Gentiles, aq a yoke of bondage, the law of could do no harm to those who were able to understand the \!o,os, whicah Got1 11:1d not put upon them. bllt ouly IIIVI~ the He situation aright; but to others it might seem like sacrilege. therefore advised the church to abstain from eating meat offered
!153~-154)

the grace of the Lord

C21681

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to idols, lest it should make a brother to offend. The restriction as to the method of killing animals was that it should not be by strangulation, which would leave the blood in the veins, but by the Jewish method of bleeding them to death, which extracts the blood. Abstinence from the eating of blood in any form has probably also a sanitary reason back of it, in ad-

dition to a typical significauce; for “the life 1s In the blood.” The mention of fornication was probably considered wise, for altho it should be understood as part of the law of Christ, yet, nevertheless, since this evil was very common at that time amongst the Gentiles and in some cases even a part of their rebglous service, it was thought well to specify it.

THE

FAITH

THAT

WORKS

MAY ~~.-JA&Dx~ 2 : 14-23. “I will show thee my faith by my work&“-James 2 :18. Many have supposed a conflict of opinion as between the As an illustration, he points out that, as a blessing unApostle Paul’s teachings and the teachings of James resnectlnrr accompanied by food would not satisfy a hungry person, so f&h and works. We-hold however, that, rightly und&stoo& faith unaccompanied by works would accomplish nothing. If their teachings are in fullest accord. The Jewish Law Covethe challenge were put, “Show me thy faith without thy works,” it would be very difficult to answer it. How could faith be nant was emphatically a covenant of works, while the basis shown, except by works? On the other hand, it would be taking of acceptance under the *New Covenant is faith. The law said. Do and live: the Gosnel savs. Believe and live. a very proper position to say, “I will show thee my faith by my works.” The Apostle Paz, w&&g to those who knew the law and Abraham is called the father of the faithful; and of him who had been trained under it to expect everlasting life as a it is written, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted reward of faithful performance of the requirements of that unto him for righteousness.” But, as the Apostle points out, law, was obliged to show that absolute obedience to that law Abraham’s faith was not of the kind that brought forth no is an impossibility as respects the fallen race of Adam; and fruitage of good works and obedience. On &e contrary, hence that “by the deed of the law shall no flesh be justi5ed in God tested Abraham’s faith, and his faith was proved an ac his [God’s] sight.” If, then, justification and eternal life could not bc obtained by any through the works of the law, how could ceptable one by works of obedience; faith and works coiiperated in hix case, and must do so in every case, else the they be obtained? The Apostle proceeds to show that our Lord Jesus has kept the entire law blamelessly, that he thus had sefaith will not be acceptable. The points to be kept clearly in mind in this lesson are cured all the rewards promised to “him that doeth these things ;” namely, everlastin (1) that no works which fallen men could do would be perlife and all the divine blessings. fect works; consequently, none of them could be acceptable to The Apostle further shows t %at, while none can hope for eternal God. (2) The Christian is acceptable to God through the exerlife through keeping the law, they may hope for it and obtain it in another way-not by doing works that would be approved cise of faith under the terms of the New Covenant. It is this under the Law Covenant, but by having a faith which would faith that counts in his acceptance, because he is unable to (3) His acceptapprove them under the New Covenant, and secure to them perform works that would be acceptable. such measure of the covering of Christ’s righteousness as might able faith must be proved by his efforts to do, so far as he be necessary to compensate for all the deficiencies and impermay be able, the divine will. (4) Since works alone would fections of iheir natures which hindered them from performing not justify, and since faith must precede ood works before the full demands of the law. Thus he tells us: “The rightthey will be acceptable, and since the go o!i works, when aceousness of the law is fulfilled in us, who walk not after”the cepted, are not accepted on account of their own perfection, flesh. but after the spirit.” but on account of the faith which makes them acceptable, The Apostle Paul did not for a moment mean to say that a therefore it follows that it is the faith that justi5es us where mere intellectual assent was suftlcient. works could not justify us, and that the works do not set His teachings are in fullest accord with *James statement in this lesson, that a faith aside faith, but merely attest the genuineness of the faith. that produced no efforts or works toward righteousness would There is a grand lesson here for all who desire to please be a dead and valueless faith-or worse, a condemning faith. God. It is our faith that is pleasing to him-we at 5rst Nor should James here be understood to ignore faith, and having nothing else; but if the faith remains alone, without to teach that works of the law would be able or su5lcient to effort to produce fruits of righteousness in the life, it becomes justify sinners or make them heirs of eternal life. It is nroba dead, a putrid thing, offensive to both God and man. He able that some in the early church, having come to rialixe whose life is one of self-gratification and sin dishonors and Further, it is our that Christ is the end of the law for riehteousness to everv one injures any faith which he professes. that believeth, and that we are “justi5eYd by faith in his bhod.” experience that whoever fails to live in harmony with his went to the opposite extreme, as some do -today, claiming that faith will not be permitted to maintain it very long. It is to the conduct of life is immaterial. if onlv the faith be mainsuch as have some faith without corresponding efforts toward tained. It is probable that James had th’is class of persons in good works that the Lord sends “strong delusions that they mind when writing this epistle. He therefore guards the reader may believe a lie.“-2 Thea. 2:ll. on this uoint-not to thrnk that a mere belief or faith. that Let us remember that the Lord’s people are “living epistles makes nb impression upon the life, and is unkonipanikd by known and read of all men;” that it is the works that are anv efforts so to live as would be uleasine in God’s sieht. read rather than the faith, and hence the importance of the w&d be a faith of any vitality, & lthat w&Id do any %l Golden Text, which should more and more be the sentiment of good. That is but the kind of belief that devils have. every follower of Christ,- “I zvill show thee my faith by my works.” l Se, June 15, 1919, issue for critical examination of Covenants. VOL. XVIII ALLEGHENY, PA., JUNE 1, 1897 No. 11

“RAIMENT

WHITE

AND

CLEAN”

The overcomer shall thus be clothed in white raiment ; “They shall walk with me in white [robes] ; because they are worthy. and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name in the presence of my Father, and in the presence of his angels.” REV. 3~4, 5. white linen, representing their personal purity, completeness Under the symbol of white raiment the Lord throughout his Word represents the righteousness of those whom he acand perfection at that time: as it is written, “to her [the cepts as his people. Their righteousness in the future state bride, the victorious church1 was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen will be personal righteousness or holiness; and the guarantee of this is the promise that all who are accounted worthy, is the tighteousness of saints.“-Rev. 19:s. as “overcomers” of the world to be joint-heirs with Christ Thus, seen, the church in glory will stand arrayed in its in the heavenly kingdom, will in the resurrection be granted own righteousness-the “righteousness of the saints;” but at new, perfect, spiritual bodies, free from sin and impurity of the present time the saints have no righteousness of their every kind, and fully in harmony with their new wills or own in which to present themselves at the throne of grace. characters developed during the trial-time of this present life. As expressed by the prophet, “all our righteousnesses are as That will be a time of which the Apostle speaks, saying,filthy rags.” The very best of humanity, it must be con“When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part fessed, are so imperfect in thoughts, words, and deeds as to shall be done away.” Those who attain to that glorious be wholly unfit for a share in God’s kingdom or for any notice condition are symbolically represented as being clothed in or favors at his hands. However, human necessities only [21691

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PA

made manifest the riches of divine grace and wisdom. It was for this reason, because we were all defiled through sin, and unfit to approach into the divine nresence. that God graciously provided, through the sacrifice o? his Son, our Lord, a spotless robe of imputed righteousness, for all those who accept of him and the covenant of divine grace sealed with his precious blood. When by repentance and faith we desire to forsake sin and approach God, we are, by reason of obedient faith in the sacrifice, reckoned as covered before the divine eyes with the merit of him who “bought us with his own precious blood,” which merit is symboli&lly represented as a linen garment, Christ’s tiahteounless. instead of the filthr While covered by this rob;. rags of our own righteousness. we may by faith exercise all the privileges and opportunities; which could be ours if the robe were actuallv our owninstead of merely a loaned or imputed robe, th; property of our Redeemer. So long as by faith we are trusting in the great sacrifice for sin, and seeking to walk worthv of the Lord. this robe is ours, to have and-to enjoy; but “to lose this ‘faith would be to lose all the advantages which come with the robe, and which continue only to the wearers. The object of the granting of these robes at the present time (not to the whole world, but only to the true believers) is that they may constitute, for those who accept garments,” them, “wedding crivinr the wearers a right to a place at the- “marriage of the King’s Son.” ThisY”weding garment” (justification) is a prerequisite to an invitation to the marriage, or rather the receipt of it is itself the invitation to enter in and become participators in the present “sufferings of Christ” and in the future “joys ot our Lord.” And as no one can enter in to the marriage without first having received the robe, so any one who subiequently rejects this robe of Christ’s righteousness and attempts to stand before his fellows or before the King without it, will be “cast out” of all the privileges and blessings which it secures. See parable of the weddine sarment-Matt. 22 : 11-13. when presented to us is clean This “wedding garment” and white, representing the absolute purity and spotlessness of our Lord’s holiness; and the instruction to each one who receives the robe is “to keep his garments unspotted from the world.” This command is equivalent to our Lord’s iniunction. “Be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect”-a standard to which we are seekinz to attain. but whose absolute attainment in an imperfect body, and surrounded by the world, the flesh and the devil, is admitted in the Scriptures and proved by experience to be imnossible. But. as the robe covers ali the- repented-of blemi$hcs of the nast, so it likewise covers the unintentional and unwitting imperfections of the present; so that onlv those things to which we nive more or l&s of mental consent are reckoned as ours-eizher good or evil. Thus seen, under this arrangement it is possible for the Lord’s people to walk so carefully, so circumspectly (Zookzng all around) at every step, as to keep his garments unspotted from the world. But alas, how few there are, if any, who have ever lived up, in all the past of their lives. to this high standard,-so th>t at no time in all the past, since could it be they accepted the robe of Christ’s righteoumess. said of them, that in no sense of the word had they ever, or mentally, *given any degree of mental either outwardly consent to anything that was sinful. Seeing that the vast majoritv, if not all, have at some time or other given at least a partial mental assent to sin (however regretful and repentant of the thing they may afterward have been), and seeing that any such deflection from purity of heart would constitute a stain or spot upon our robe, we inquire with great concern, Is there any possibility of having such stains or spots removed and getting the robe white again ? Thank God, yes; there is a way by which the spots and wrinkles may be removed from our robe and leave it once more as white and clean as at first. The stain remover is the “precious blood.” As the Apostle says, “If we confess our sins he is just to forpive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrightrousness~,, While all of our efforts (groaning of spirit, tears, fasting, etc.) could not remove’ a single stain, which the precious blood alone can remove; yet, nevertheless, it is expedient for ourselves that while realizing our Lord’s forgiveness and the cleansing of the robe, we should promptly seek to discipline ourselves in repentance, fasting and tears: otherwise we may expect that while our Lord will hear our earnest players and cleanse our robe, he nevertheless would put upon us certain chastisemmts for our correction in righteousness and for the strengthening of our characters in resiect to the points of weakness. The Apostle teaches thus. when he says, “If we would judge [correct, chastise1 ourselves, then we should not be judged [corrected. chastised) of the T,ord;
” I,

but when we are judged of the Lord we are chastened, that we might not be condemned with the world.” While our robe covers all our unwilling personal blemishes and uncleanness in our Lord’s sight. and in the sight of brethren who see each other from The* Lord’s standpoint, yet the Lord desires and reauires that we shall come into such close svmnathv with absolute nuritv and righteousness in thoughi, word”and deed that we- will” “cleanse iurselves from all filthiness of the flesh and snirit. mrfectinn holiness in the And ‘to this end he grants reverence of God.” (2 Cor. 7 : i) his sanctified (consecrated) and white robed ones the cleansing power of his truth, that thus his elect bride might be cleansed by “the washing of water, by the Word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.“-Eph. 5 :26, 27. But oh, how few of the consecrated have so great a love for purity, so great a desire to keep the garme$ unspotted from the world. that thev are thus careful to have every wrinkle quickly’ removed, “and thereafter to guard the robe more zealously than ever. Yet these, and th&e alone, walk with the Lord in white and are overcomers. who in due time shall be glorified with him and sit with him in his throne -and it is their names that shall not be blotted out of the Lamb’s book of life. We are to understand from the Master’s words that all who do not thus walk with him in white raiment are unworthy, shall not be ioint-heirs in his kinndom, will not be confes&d as his bride” and joint-heir in th; presence of the Father and the holy angels, but on the contrary, will have their names blotted out of the Lamb’s book of life-erased from amongst the names of the “elect” church. THE “LITTLE FLOCK” AND THIZ “GREAT OOMPANY” While the number of those who wear the robe of Christ’s righteousness is, as compared with t,he numbers of the world, small indeed. vet how large a nronortion of these are not walking in white, but haye their Gobes greatly spotted by contact with the world. the flesh and the devil-by unfaitbfulness or by carelessness, worldliness. We do not refer to those who deny the Lord and repudiate the ransom, thus taking off the wedding garment and standing with the world (or really in a worse condition than the world, in that they have rejected the grace of God) : we refer to the true believers, who have made a full consecration of themselves to the Lord, and who for the sake of worldly advantages or earthly hopes or friendships or for the favors of nominal churches, are failing to live according to their covenant and privileges, and are thus, like Esau of old, selling their birthright (as Is there new creatures in Christ) for a mess of pottage. no hope for these, who fail to be overcomers, who fail to walk in white, who fail to gain the crown and the immortality to be bestowed only upon the “elect,” “worthy.” “overcomers?” Yes, thank God! We rejoice that there is hope for these. because they have not cast off their wedding garments, even though they have gotten them sadly spotted and soiled by The class referred to are neither contact with the world. onen nor wilful sinners. but those who unwisely are seeking to please and serve’ the Lord and to please’ and serve themselves and the world-“foolish virgins.” They make a failure in every direction so far as pleasing is concerned: they do not please the Lord, they do not please themselves and they are not half satisfactory to the worldly. The only around unon which divine favor can continue with them at all and could go after them to reclaim them is the merit of the robe of Christ’s righteousness, which they still love and wear, although they have not loved it sufficiently to keep it unspotted. But, he who began the good work in them will continue it and nerfect it for all who reallv love and trust him-even though it be completed in the great tribulation at the inauguration of the Millennial or “the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6) Since Christ became the surety for all who at heart stili trust him, although not overcoming by complete self-sacrifice in full obedience to his instructions, it does not surprise us that he wints out in his last communica tion to- his church how he-will deal with this numerous class of his followers and how it will result to them,-altho he made no such proposition in their “call.” After telling of the sealing of the elect class, the spiritual Israel, the peculiar people, zealous of good works, the little flock, the bride, the overcomers, a definite, predetermined number, “a hundred and forty and four thousand,” gathered out of Babylon before the winds of the great tribulation are let loose upon the world. all of them bearine the seal or mark of God’s favor in their’ foreheads-a noticEable ~tellectud evidence of divine favor, the impress of the spirit of the truth as well as the word of truth. our Tord shows us the “great

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(161-!ts-‘,

multitude” of his followers, “whose number no man is able to tell” (that is. it is not a foreordained or fixed number,none were called. to be of this company), who will eventually stand before the Lord “clothed with white robes, and nalms to our God which &teth in their hands,” crying, “Salvation on the throne and unto the Lamb.” Who are these who are not of the bride, the elect class, the overcomers, is the question ? The answer is “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple.” -Rev. 7:9, 10, 13-15. The marks of distinction between this “great company” and the “little flock” are very pronounced, both as respects their present course and their future blessing. The faithful overcomers watch and keep their garments -unspotted from the world. And this is given as one of the special conditions of acceptance a.. “overco&ers” to joint-heirship with the Lord They -“they have not defiled their garments.” (Rev. 3 :4) have kept “their garments unspotted from the world.” They have not been willing to erm&. sin to contaminate them and to seoarate them from t Re Lord. but have auicklv aDDlied for a;d obtained the precious blbod to remo;e e&y *&ain. They are so heartily opposed to sin and so earnest about the keeping of this garment unspotted that the adversary gets no hold upon them-“the wicked one catcheth them not.” (1 John 5:lY) All of this indicates a full submission of their wills to the will of Christ-thev are “dead with him,” and hence could not willingly practice sin. Their reward ‘1s the crown of life, immortaiicy,‘to be seated in the throne, and to constitute the temnle of which our Lord is the cap-stone. Now contrast with these the* “great the chief corner-stdne. company:” lacking the intense love and zeal of the overcomers, thev do not keep their garments with sufficient care, and as a result they iose all t&e rewards promised the over: comers; and, having failed in the race, they would get nothing, if it were not for our Lord’s grace. But God’s grace cannot admit to heavenly perfection those who have not robes of spotless righteousness; and hence we are shoTIn that these who have not cared for their garments and kept them white must be put through a severe experience before they can in any sense of the word be sharers of heavenly favors. These severe experiences are shown in the But to symbol as wnshing their robes in a great tribulation. show that not the nenances or sufferines would cleanse the robes, that these might be necessary as- proper punishments and disciplines, it is particularly stated that the efficacy for the cleansing is the “blood of the Lamb.” Manv will thus be purged, purified, and their garment, now sulliid by contact with the world. often in the narb of nominal Christianitv. will be cleansed of every guilty &in, when they, realizing th;!‘folly of their course, shall repentantly appeal to the Lord and use his help. But sad disappointments attach to the experiences of this company: it is because they fear the reproaches of Christ that they &irk present privilege; and oppbrtunities for walking with him in white in the “sufferings of this present time:” behold, they not only miss the present joy aid rejoicing of those who are faithful, but eventually they must come through stall v-eater sufferings, if thev would attain even to a lower place: Although lo&& the L&d and his people they are somewhat ashamed of them and hide, as it were, their faces from them, in the presence of the worldlv: and behold the Master at his coming-for his “bride” cannot”confess their names in the presence of the Father and the holy angels. The little flock is informed of the Bridegroom’s care. and obedientlv watching she shall be “accountzd worthy t6 escape all those things coming upon the world” (including the great tribulation), but the “great company,” although the Lord’s people, in that they have not rejected him, must be treated like the hypocrites and pass through the great tribulation in order to their purification. These, be it observed, are not a class who in any sense repudiate the Lord, they are not of those who “draw back” from the Lord, for in such he declares he has “no pleasure” (Heb. 10 :38 ).: and the Apostle declares that such “draw back into aerdition-second death. On the contrary, these are still “&gins,” but foolish in that they are vainly trying to please and serve both God and mammon. They are wasting precious opportunities trying to find an easier way of following their Lord than “being made conformable unto his death.” We rejoice that ultimately these will sing praises to the Lord, and be glad in his wondrous grace. Rut wvp notice that even after their robes will be washed white in the time of trouble by the blood of the Lamb and in much tribulation,

they wear no crowns as overcomers; but, having finally overcome, thev are granted palms as emblems of their victory throigh Christ; -and although they can never he the living temole of which Christ is the Head. we are told thev shall be skkuants in that temple; and although they shall n&er sit in the throne, they are highly privil<ged to serve “before the throne.” Grand and glorious nrivileges will be theirs. but Oh, they will lose the ireat prik, ha&g sold it for the mess of pol!tage of present-seemcng idvantage, which proves What exunsatisfactorv and brines bitter after results. hortation to” holiness, to” complete consecration to his will, could be stronger than this supplied by our Lord’s stntement of the results of more and of less faithfulness? Probably the majority of this “great company” of tribulation saints are living today; for at no time in the past was there the same degree of knowledge of God and his Word, except in the early church of apostolic times: never did so many profess to be the Lord’s by consecration; and never were there so many subtle seductions from the “narrow way” of selfIn centuries past the cleavage between ‘the Lord’s sacrifice. neoole and the world’s neonle was much more distinct than to&G: wrsecution was ‘mo;e open and recomized, and while fewer -named the name of Cfirist, they counted and appreciated the cost, as the larger number of today do not. We of course ignore the professions and “great swelling words” of antichris‘t.) Howeier, there was a &eat time df trouble in the end of the Jewish age in which many unclean mav have been permitted to wash Their robes white”in the blood if the Lamb. And since then our Lord has not been without the power to bring as many as he chose through great tribulations for purification. Since the “overcomers” suffer with Christ voluntariljy and the “great company” suffer because of it mipht bc difficult. is not imnoqaible. for Christ inroluntarzlu. any except the Lord and ‘the sufferers to know &ether they suffered as self-sacrificers or as unwilling “tribulation” saints: but in the end of this age it will be different; for the overcomers will be taken to glory before the closing tribulation is fully poured out. upon “Babylon.”
.I

THE

QUEEN

AND

HER

VIRGIN

COMPANIONS

It is appropriate that we should remind ourselves afresh of the be&&if;1 suggestion laid before us through thr prophet David respecting the wedding garment of the bride. Here the Lord. through the prophet. tells us (Psa. 45:9-14) that the bride as the queen shall bi prese&,&l before the King in “raiment of fine needle work” as well as in “clothinn of &ought gold.” The- gold clothing, RS we have heretofor: seen, represents the immortality (an element of the divine nature) with which the church shall be invested in her resurThe ralmpnt of fine nc+dle work can be none rection clorv. other th‘an ihe fine linen garment, clean and white, mentioned But here we have the additional sugnestion in Revelation. yc’ given, that this garment will be finely embroidrrctl. The robe that was merelv loaned to us at first. and which constituted our invitation t’o the marriage, to joint-heirship with the King’s Son, was not at first our own, it was merely loaned or imputed to us. But it I~camcl a permanent gift from the Bridegroom to as many as accepted t’he invita. it cnrefullv, thev tion to union with him: and examininr found upon it in delicate outline a stamp&g in grncef;i lines, corresponding to the richly embroidered robe worn by the King’s Son. The suggestion of copying his robe was not only thus hinted at, but it was plainly declared that all who would be accounted worthy to be hi* “elect” companionr, should in all respecats be conies of the Bridegroom.-Rom. 8329. The’ careful s;?tting of the sti&hes in the cxmbroitlering of this wcddinrr garment has been the chief tlutv and constant occupation if- the espoused virgin while w’aiting for the nuptial feast, at the return of the Bridegroom. True, much of the embroidering now done by us is very imperfect, because of first, our unskillfulness, secondly, our imperfections, and thirdly the disturbing influences about us (the worl~l, the WC can well understand flesh and the devil ) . Neverthele*s, that it is the blessing of experience that is designed, and that every painstaking efi’ort is strengthening character, and bringing us into fuller sympathy with our Lord; and that he, when he inspects his church, will take pleasure in even our imnerfect results. if thcv Five evidence that we have bestowed e/&-t, because desirous” oy bringing all into conformity with his will; and he will accept of our imperfrct work as tho it were perfect, and in the resurrection he will grant us ide.11 bodies with ideal powers and the ideal rharncter embroitlrletl perfectly upon the new robe, which will be 0~r.s
through >\nd 111s grace. even hwe.

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the great company, the foolish virgins, to be the bride, and hence rejected from that

(163-164)

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.4LLlGCHENY.

PA

place of the “elect,,, are nevertheless pictured, in verses 14 and 15--“The virgins her [the queen’s] companions that follow her shall be brought to thee, with gladness and reloicing shall they be brought [even tho it he through great

FAITH
“Now faith is a basis of things hoped for, a The Christian life is a life of faith. Its fi&t step is a step of faith, and its last sten is the triumph of faith. All its-victories -are victories of iaith, and its j’oys are the joys In the above text the Anostle sneaks of faith as a of faith. basis of hope, as something substaitial u&n which hope may build. lIo$e is not faith: ‘but hope is thit buoyant, gladsome thinz that is horn of faith. A hone that is not based unon faitil’ is n mere idle fiction which ha: no substantial comfori in it. Fnitb is thck hIsis or substance out of which the living hol+c uprings and grows natnmlly. Faith, then, must be a reayonahle thiilg, well founded in that which is fixed, immovablr, sure ant1 stcndfast, rven in the word of God which liveth and abideth forever.-1 Pet. 1:2X Such faith is not a matter of the intellect alone, altho the mtellect has much to do with it. It is also a matter of the heart-“With the heart man brlieveth unto righteousness.” If the heart be not right toward God, the intellect is easil biased toward its own preferences, which, in the carnal min cr, are contrarv to the righteousness of God: and so, the heart being wroni. the min;i gropes in darkness conceining those things which D~I t,\ilI to eternal life and godliness.-“The car& mind is’enrnitg against God; for it ii’ not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8 :7) ; and, therefore, to such God does not, and cannot, reveal the treasures of his wisdom and grace. We are taught that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11 :6) : and further that “faith without [corresponding] works [which attest its genuineness] is dead.” (Jas. 2:17) “What advantage,” inquires Jamer, “has any This one, tho he say he has faith, but have not works? faith is not able to save him.” (Jas. 2: 14-Diaglott) And if faith without works is of no advantage. the inference is plain that without works it is equally ikpossible to please God. Yet, we may have both faith (or what often passes for faith) and tiorks (corresponding with it) and not be pleasing to God. The faith not well founded, together with the works built upon it, is likely to be swept away when the storms and floods of trial beat upon it as upon a house built of wood, hay and stubble and resting on the shifting sand. It is all-important, therefore, t,hat we have the right kind of faith, and that our work, shoultl br the oubrowth of that <. faith: What, theu. is faith? We answer, True faith is the reasonable and accepted conclusion of a logical argument based upon a reasonable premise or foundation. And more, it is the only reasonnhle conclusion to which such a logical argu ment could lead. Thus, reasoning on the principle of cause and effect, a principle firmly established in all the operations of natural and moral law, we see in the whole realm of nature the evidences of an intelligent Creator. We know that such effects as appear in the order of nature-as for instance the order of the spheres. the succession of the seasons. and of day and night, the growth of vegetation, etc., et& could not be nroduced without an intelligent first cause. .*nd so unrleni;;hle is the basis of fart thusc>urnished in nature’s testimony, and so logical the reasoning from effect to cauq(‘, that the conclusion-that there is an intelligent, wise and owerful Creator-is so palpable and irresi&ible that the Pcriptures b tlrclarc thus man a fool who does not accept it.-Psa. 14 : 1. From these data rllone we have substantial testimony upon which to base faith in God. even if he had &en us no written revelation of himself. A&l no less subs&tial is the testimony given upon which to base our faith in his written revelation. For all that God exnects us to believe bevond the realm of our senses and oba&ntion, he has given us an undeniable fountlatinn of tsugihle fact. upon which he invites II< to use our reasoning powers to arrive at conclusions of which we would otherwise be ignorant. Thus faith is a conviction of things unseen, based on the logical deductions from known facts-a most rc,~sonable thing. It is nlsn manif& that, since the fountl:ttion upon which to hn3r faith, and the I easoning poner wherewith to draw logicnl cnnclu,inns from thr known foundation truths, and “the spirit of .I sound miutl,” the holy Spirit, the spirit, mind or disposition of Christ. to accept in simple sincerity all truth, are all given to us of God, so also, as Paul affirms, the faith thtlq derivcll n1:l.v lw cnnsiderrd. ns it thus really is. “the conviction of things unseen.“-Heb. 11: 1. gift of God” (Eph,2:8), while it is also the free exercise of our own volition in obedience to the laws of conscience and of sound judgment. There is nothing more common or necessary among men than faith. \1’e exercise faith in the laws of nature and act upon it constantly. We till the soil and sow the seed in full faith in a future harvest to be brought forth by the continued operations of natural law, reasoning that the sun which shines today will shine again tomorrow, that the showers of yesterday will be repeated, and that vegetation will still be true to the old law of development and growth under Ek;;;savorable conditions. Who thinks of questioning these &rely no one will question them who has become thoroughly acquainted with these methods in the nast. and faith in-thkm for the future is reasonable; while: on’ the other hand, doubt and unbelief would be unreasonable and foolish. The man who would refuse to plant for fear the sun would not rise again or the rain fall, would be rightly considered a fool. Whv? Because faith is the onlv reasonable thine where the giound of faith is so well es’tablished. Even i child would laugh at another child who could not trust his parents for tomorrow’s necessities when today’s and yesterday% were abundantly provided for: his lack of faith would be so unreasonable. in6 just so when we have become acquainted with God. as all mav who will studv his works and ways in nature and revelatioi, to doubt is foblish; while full faith, perfect confidence in his wisdom. justice, love and power, is the only reasonable conclusion. Therefore it “is that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Thus faith, beinp a reasonable conviction of things unseen, becomes a basics %f hope for the things which God has promised. As Paul expresses it, “Faith is a basis of things hoped for, a conviction of thing unseen.” (Heb. 11: 1) With the same confidence, therefore, with which we look for an autumnal harvest from our spring time seedsowing, before we see any sign of that harvest, we should also look for the fulfilment of all God’s promises in due eeason, even before we see indication of their fulfilment. There is no difficulty in exercising faith in God and in any and all of his promises, if we acquaint ourselves with hii character and ir; simple .sincerity apply our hearts unto the instructions of his Word. Our faith in all God’s nromises should he as unwavering as our confidence that toAorrow,s sun will rise. Thus it was in the cases of some commendable examples to which the Anostle Paul refers (Heb. 11 )-of Abel,. Enoch. Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel and the prophets, who, by faith in the promises and directions of God, subdued kingdoms, shut lions’ mouths, quenched the power of fire, raised dead ones to life, and, in hope of a better resurrection submitted to Drivations, nersecutions and ignominious deaths, having faith ih the pro&e of God, in due ‘time to re ward their lovaltv to him and to the nrincinles of truth and righteousness.” ehen God declared th’st a kood was coming and commanded the building of an ark, the reasonable course was to build the ark and to warn men, altho the flood, and every indication of it, tarried for many years. Similarly, when God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his ran, it was reasonable for Abraham to obey the command and to leave to God the fulfllment of the “promises which centered in that son. When he commanded Lot to flee out of Sodom it was the only reasonable thing for Lot to do, to make haste and depart, tho the morning was gloriously fair. These were commendable acts of simple, implicit and reasonable faith. But observe that in every instance of faith commended in the Bible there was good ground for faith; there was a clear command of God, a well defined principle of truth and righteousness ; and no foolish imaginations or vague impress‘ions were blindly followed. How ‘fbolish Noah would have been to snend enerev and valuable time in buildine an ark and warning -the peopli: if he had only imagined thaz a flood was coming. How culpable Abraham would have been in laying his son on the altar of sacrifice, had he only imugilted that God desired him to do so. And how insane Lot would have appeared in hastening out of Sodom that bright

[2162]

JUNB 1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(165-166)

morning declaring that the city would be destroyed, had he been given no reliable divine assurance of it. Notice that in each instance of unusual requirement God ave clear evidence of his will according to the methods of that 3.isnensation. either bv an angel, a vision, or some remarkable cir&umstanckways, “however; which are not now necessary, since the completed Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments form a uerfect guide to faith (2 Tim. 3: 15-17)) and which, therefore, are n’ot now resorted to. And in the instances of suffering and martyrdom cited, God’s will was clearlv exnressed in the principles of truth and righteousness which” he-ordained, and-which were properly recognized ae These illustrations of faith more valuable even than life. should be specially marked by very many who claim to have ,wonderful fnith in God, when the chief wonder in it is the ability to believe so much on so slight a foundation. In many enterprises, too, undertaken under the name of works of faith. and successfullv carried on financiallv. faith has more foundation in the sympathies of philanthropic people, than in the plan, methods and promises of God. If Christian DeODle make oublic statements that thev are starting a bene;ol&t enterprise for the amelioration of” the present wo’es of suffering humanity, they may do it with a large-degree of faith in the sunwrt of benevolent ueoule; even the worldlv are often fully as’a’ctive in these dire&o& as Christians. PO; instance, mark the responses to calls for help in great calamities and disasters. Successes in the direction of popular benevolences are not always proofs of faith in God, tho those so engaged are do- 7 ing good works, and the public appeals for assistance are often rinht and nrouer: but a clearer manifestation of faith in God & that humhie confidence which espouses his unpopular _ _ cause, which perseveres in pursuing it, in the face of all oppo-sition and without human encouragement. and which patientlv endures whatever of reproach, d&ouragement, privation and even per*ecution it may bring, assured of ultimate triumph according to his promise, and finding in his blessed truth and in his approval all the preqent reward and incentive desired. One expression of the Apostle Paul should not be forgotten. It reads. “Hast thou faith? have it to thvself before God.” ckom. Ih:22) If we advertise our faith irid our needs and thus make capital out of them by eliciting the sympathies and assistance of men, we are in great danger of seeking to this motive will be pleasers of men. Almost imperceptibly creep into the heart and become a governing power in our actions. often causina deflections from the straight and narnow path of divine aipointment. Beware when all men speak well of you, and when multitudes are ready to line up with vour work and vour methods: and look well to it that 60 element of worldly ambition or worldly policy be in it to ensnare your feet and to allure you from the narrow way.Luke G:26. See also Luke 4 :6-8. There is much in the way of profession of great faith and in the relating of really improper proeeedings and their results as wonderful feats of faith, which often does great harm to both speakers and hearers. While a true faith is pleasing to God, what often passes for faith among Christians must be correspondinplv displeasing to him. Some. without careful observation and study of God’s ways. iumu to hastv conclusions, often greatlv out of harmony ‘with the spirit of divine truth ; and? &tin; and teachin.g accordingly, dishonor the Lord and bring reproach upon his cause. Among such, too, are often found the loudest boasters of faith. Their faith is so strong, so rooted and arouded and established in what God did not sav. that thev have no inclination to hear or heed what he did say. In such instances God would be honored far more by the sealing of the lips. Rather let our faith be expressed to God, and let our confidence be manifest to him; and to our brethren let it be manifested more by our deeds of faith than by our words. Thus was the faith of the ancient worthies attested. Where is boasting then? It is excluded by the law of faith. (Ram. 3 :27) The very nature of mire. true faith is ODDOsed to boastfulness. It is’ sincere and too humbly mindful of personal weakness and necessary dependence on God to be boastful. In fact, a humble, faithful walk with God excludes every mean disposition, and elevates the character far beyond them. However, the faith of which we speak is something which belongs onlv to the children of God. Their hearts being in harmony with God and his righteousness, his Word is Gnto them the end of all controvcrsv: and their faith in that Word is the basis of their joyful hopes, the inspiration of their activities, and the anchor to their souls through all the storms of the present life.

While faith depends for its earliest existence upon a right attitude of heart toward God and his righteousness, it continues to grow and thrive by a more clor% acquaintance and intimate communion with God and a continual striving to attain to his righteousness. Faith, in its beginning, is-always comparatively weak; but God does not despise the day of small things. “A bruised reed shall he not break. and smoking flax &all he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victorv.” (Isa. 42 :3 : Matt. 12 :20) So also the Lord’s neople who are strong in the faith are taught to bear with ‘the weaker ones.-Rom. 14:l; 15:l; 1 Thes. 5: 14; Acts 20:35. Since faith must necessarily be at the very basis of Christian character and is such an important element in its construction, even to the grand and glorious finish; and since “without faith it is imuossible to ulease God,” the effort of every Christian should & toward a’ continual growth in faith. To do this we must maintain a close walk and fellowshiu with God in -all circumstances and under all conditions. -Does the sunshine of prosperity make glad our hearts? let us see that we are nlad in the Lord: that our hearts are lifted to him in gratevful adoration and praise for all his benefits, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift. Or, do the clouds gather and the storms of adversitv beat unon the soul? then ;a11 to mind the goodness of the L&d in times past, and take courage, assured ihat the sun will shine again when the lessons of this discioline have been learned.-Psa. 77 : 10 12. Nothina is more encouraging to faith than to consider the Lord%-past faithfulness to us, and his promises that thus temporal and it shall be to the end. All our interests. spiritual, are in his hands, if we are his;* and -“no good thing ~111 be withheld from them that walk uprightly.” “All things shall work together for good to them that love God, to the called according to his purpose.” How often, as the years go by, the children of God can see this ! As they realize what the discipline of life, patiently and lovingly submitted to, has already wrought in them, they see, as perhaps they could not see while passing through much of it, how necessary it has been to the developing of character in them; and so they are thankful for the rough and thorny places, as well as for the smooth, because of the peaceable fruits of righteousness, which they have learned to prize above all else. Christians may often encourage one another’s faith by mingling their priyers and praise; together, and by speaking to each other of their Christian experiences, of how God has led them and borne them up under trials which otherwise would have overcome them. Such indeed is the will of God, that we should so stimulate each other by loving communion and fellowship one with another in spiritual things, and by unitedly drawing near to God in prayer and praise. This is a means of grace that no Christian who has the opportunity to enjoy can afford to forego. Yet even this must not SUpersede that still more potent means of grace; uaz., secret communion with God, when, alone with him, we can open our hearts as to none else, assured that, even though language be lame, he is able to read the very thoughts and purFrom such seasons of prayer and composes of our hearts. munion come the answers of peace which strengthen faith into a firm and steady confidence; and thus we are enabled the more fullv to comnrehend with all saints what is the breadth and len$h and depth and height of the love of Christ, and of the fulness of God’s loving benevolence toward us.-Eph. 3 : 16-19. Let us endeavor to have more of that pure true faith “Which bears unmoved the world’s dark Nor heeds its scornful smile; Which seas of trouble cannot drown, Nor Satan’s arts beguile”frown,

the faith which overcomes the spirit of the world in us and about us. and which will remove mountains of difficultv. and secure all that our hearts desire, since it is written, “Y;!‘shall ask what ye will [our wills being in harmony with the will of God], and it shall be done unto you.“-John 15:7. When we see, thus, how reasonable a thing faith is, how God throueh his natural and written revelation of himself appeals to the highest faculty of our nature (our reason) and bids us follow its loeical deductions of faith in God. and to rest in and act -upog its proper conclusions in studying his works and ways, we realize truly that this faith is a firm basis of hope in the things unseen, “which hope we have as an anchor, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth [by faith] into that within the vail” -into the glory of the spiritual M. F. RUBBELT.. condition.-Heb. 6 : 19.

121631

POST-MILLENNIALISM

MAKES

A WORLDLY

CHURCH

By the late A. J. Gordon, D. D. “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” is the parting promise of Jesus to his disciples, communicated through the two men in white apparel, as a cloud received him out of their sight. When after more than fifty years in glory he breaks the silence and speaks once more in the Revelation which he gave to his servant John, the postascension Gosuel which he sends opens with “Behold, he cometh with clouds” and closes with “Surely I come quickly.” Considering the solemn emphasis thus laid upon this doctrine, and considering the great prominence given to it throughout the teaching of our Lord and of his apostles, how was it that for the first five years of my pastoral life it had absolutely no place in my preaching? Undoubtedly the reason lay Of all the sermons heard in the lack of early instruction. from childhood on. I do not remember listenina to a single In the theological cours”e, while this one upon this subject. truth had its place indeed, it was taught as in most theological seminaries of this country, according to the postmillennial interpretation: and with the most reverent respect for the teachers holding this view I must express my mature conviction that. tho the doctrine of our Lord’s comina is not ignored in this system, it is placed in such a setting a”s to render it quite impractical as a theme for preaching and quite inoperative as a motive for Christian living. For if a millennium must intervene before the return of our Lord from heaven, or if the world’s conversion must he accomplished before he shall come in his plow, how is it possible for his disciples in this present time to obey his words: “Watch, therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord shall come?” I well remember in my early ministry hearing two humble and consecrated laymen speaking of this hope in the meetings of the church. and urrrine it unon Christians as the ground of unworldliness and u%tc’hfulne& of life. Discussion followed with these good brethren, and then a searching of the Scriptures to see if these things were so: and then a conviction of their truth; and then 4’ The godly William Hewitson declares that the discoverv of the Scrintural hone of our Lord’s second coming wrought “in him a change amounting almost to a second conversion. What if another, not presuming to be named in company with this consecrated saint. should nevertheless set his hand and seal to the affirmation that the strongest and most permanent impulse of his ministry came from his apprehmsion of the blessed hope of our Lord’s second coming? But how is it that this doctrine, so plainly and conspicuouslv written in Scripture, could have remained so long undiscovered ? In answering this question we see how little ground we have for glorying over the Jews. They did not recognize Christ in his first advent because thev discerned in Scrifiture only those predictions which announced him as a reigning and conauerine Messiah. This contention thev wove into a-veil of exposition and tradition so thick thai when Jesus appeared as the lowly and humble Nazarene they knew him not, but “hid as it were their faces from him.” And this strong prepossession still obscures their vision so that, “even unto this day, when Moses is read the veil is upon their heart.” With the larger class of Gentile Christians the case is just They know Christ crucified, and believing that the reverse. the cross is to conquer the world, and that the preaching of the Gospel in the present dispensation is to bring all men to God, they see no need of the personal coming of the Christ ah King to subdue all things under his feet and to reign on the This conception in turn has been woven into an earth. elaborate veil of tradition for Gentile believers and “until this day, remaineth the same veil untaken away” in the reading of the New Testament. It was not so in the beginning. For three hundred years the church occupied the position of a bride awaiting the return of the Bridegroom from ‘heaven-she meantime, hording herself free from all alliance with this world. content to fulfil her calling in witnessing for Christ, in suffering with Christ, and so tovaccomplish he; appointed. work of th; gathering out of the elect bodv for the Lord “until he come.” A stranrre and almost grotesque conception to many modern Chris&s no But it was while maintaining this attitude that the doubt. church moved on most rapidly in missionary conquests. The Then came the foreshadowings of the great apostasy. world which had been a foe to-the church became he; friend and natron: Constantine. the Emneror of Rome, became her head,’ and thus the eyes of Christians began to be withdrawn from him who is “Head over all things to the church.” The great and good Augustine yielded to the seduction and was among the first to teach that in the temporal triumph of Christianity the kingdom had already come, the the King with whose return the primitive church had been wont to identify the appearing of the kingdom was still absent. Little by little, as the apostasy deepened, this early hope of Christians became eclipsed till, in the words of Auberlin, “when the church became a harlot she ceased to be a bride who goes forth to meet her bridegroom,” and thus c;miZiasm What moreover would have been tlwmetl an disappeared. apostasy in the primitive church grew into a tradition and a creed in the post-Nicene church, which creed until this day largely rules the faith of Christians. . . . . The most eminent living master of ecclesiastical history, Harnack, photographing in a single sentence the church of the the church was the earliest centuries, says : “Origina!ly heavenly bride of Christ, the abiding place of the holy Spirit.” Does the reader not see that here is the same twyo-fold conception-Christ in-resident in the church by the Spirit; and Christ expected to return in person as the Bridegroom for his bride? . . . . With no power except “the irresistible might of weakness ;” with no wealth except the riches of glory inherited through her heavenly citizenship ; refusing all compromise with the world, declining all patronage of kings and emperors, she nevertheless went forth conquering and to conquer.
Y

SURRENDER

SELF-WILL-RECEIVE

GOD’S WILL

Christian life is too often grievously destitute of real spiritual most delicate and difficult part of this teaching. But it is power and is essentially carnal, and it is the duty and privinot well to stop on phrases; whether we agree or not on the lege of every child of God to enter at once into the newness exact form of words, we must agree on facts, and conspicuous among the facts is this, that thousands of professed believers, ot life, and to walk in the pnwcr of Christ’s resurrection. Hence the startina uoint-instant abandonment of sin and like the Ephesian disciples in Acts 19, do not practically know of evcrp known weiiht which prevents or hinders progress. whether there be a holy ghost or not. Dr. Gordon discriminates between sealing, filling and Whatever is wrong or believed to be wrong in God’s sight cannot be indulged with impunity. It is held up as utterly a..nointing. destructive of all holy living and testimony, as unnecessary Fifthly, the Revelation of Jesus Christ in the soul as an indwellina Presence.-This is the climax of this teaching. The [improper] because wrong, and as making impossible even assiirame of solrotlort. suprem; end of the holy Spirit’s indwelling and inworking Secondly,. a deadly blow is aimed at self-life in its six is to manifest the personal Christ as consciously our posforms : self-dependence. self-helu. self-pleasing. self-will. selfsession and in uossession of us. seeking and ielf-glory ; in other words, a’ new practical Sixthly, beyond these there is always a last stage of teachcenter is sought for all the life to revolve about, and in this ine-the nrivileaes and victories imnlied in this hieher or Beyond the territory way a new step is taken in advance. dcper lifi, such-as the rest life of fa’ith, power over sin, pasof known sin there lies another almost as dangerous, where sion for souls, conscious fellowship with God, growing posThere is a large class self-indulgence is the peculiar feature. session of promises, and prevailing prayer and intercession. of nleasures, amusements. occupations. which do not bear the Wherein does this differ from the teaching now common hid&us features of sin. I& which ali tend to selfinhness. in the majority of our churches, may be asked? Thirdlv. the surrender of will to God in obedience. Christ ( 1) It makes more of Jesus as a Saviour who will save must to kverv believer become not only Saviour but Lord. us from our sins. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.” “ Faithful is he who calleth you, who also will do it.” (Rom. 10:9, R. V.) “No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but bv the holv Ghost.” ( 1 Cor. 12 :3) Hundreds who accept (2) It magnifies the necessity of surrender to the will him as Saviou; from sin have no real conception of him as the of God and breaking with the world. In apostolic times if actual Master and Sovereign of the daily life. a man confessed Christ he knew what it meant, for the world Fourthly, the infilling of the spirit. Here, is perhaps the would break with him: but now it is not so. Many pro(166-167) [2164]

Juar! 1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(168-169)

fessing Christians go on hand in hand with the world, and their lives are barren and unfruitful in consequence. (3) It makes much of the abiding presence of Jesus. The heart is onened. He is asked to come in and abide. and faith rests upon hi8 promise to do 80. His presence ‘causes the heart to burn as did the hearts of the disciples going to Emmaus; brings peace, as when he came over the waves to the disciples on the sea; drives out evil as he cleansed the temple; and fills the soul with joy as when he appeared to the disciples in the upper room. (4) While the object sought is freedom from sin and effectiveness in service it makes more of receiving than doing. We must, with a childlike snirit. receive the good things God is ready ‘to bestow before wg c& be a blees+n> to othek. “I will bless thee and thou shalt be a bleseina.” the Lord said to Abraham. The disciple8 must first receife thebread from Christ’s hand before they could distribute to others. Mark Guy Pearse says:-“ Some years ago I was traveling in the train; seated in the carriage alone I had the Book open at Acts 1:s. I was thinking of the ‘Higher Life,’ of

which just then we had heard a good deal-vexed and angry at the little headwav. and still less heartway, that I could There was a life of -which I could make in the matte;.. conceive. verv bright and verv beautiful like a star. ‘Like a star indeed,‘*1 sayd, half sco;nfully, ‘a long ways off, and I have neither wings nor ladder long enough to reach it.’ Then This was something my eye fell upon the word ‘receive.’ ‘Receive’ I said, with my difficulties silenced, very different. and ashamed; of course I can receive. That is what the baby That needs no genius, no goodness, but only can do-receive. want. Any beggar can take a six-pence if it is given to him. I The shower8 fell, blessing everylooked out the window. thing. But just outside the wayside station was a little cottage, and at the corner of it the old woman hacl set her broken pitcher, and it was filled to the brim. ‘My Lord,’ I sighed, humble and grateful, ‘I bring thee my poor heart “Ye shall receive”-stay your thoughts fill it to the brim!’ upon the Word until it kindle longing expectation, the boldness that claims the promise as your own.” -47. C. Huntington.

APOSTOLIC

ADVICE

TO A YOUNG

CHRISTIAN

June 13.-2 Tim. l:l-7; 3: 14-17. “From a child thou ha& known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.“-2 Tim. 3: 15. was not according to the personal preferences of either that The words of this lesson, addressed by the Apostle Paul they had separated, but both had sunk personal convenience to Timothy, are sound advice to all Christians, especially to and preference in the interest of the Lord’s cause. such as are young in the truth, and particularly if they have We note with appreciation the Apostle’8 care over this consecrated their lives to the Lord and his service, and are younger brother in the truth, in whom he sees such great seeking to be useful according to their consecration as his He realizes, nerhaus promise of uresent and future service. ministers or servantsqhether in a uublic or in a urivate better than *Timothy does, the snares of the adversary, by service, according to their talents and-opportunities. which one placed in so prominent a position is likely to be These words were addressed to Timothy, when the Apostle Paul was an old man. a prisoner in Rome. because of his tesassailed. Would he become headv and high minded? would timony for the Lord.’ Nor was Timothy ‘a child in years at he lose his faith in the cross of Christ? wo:ld he fall into the snare of some of the philosophies, falsely so-called? would he the time this euistle was addressed to him. Timothv’s mother become vainly puffed up by a fleshly mind, and get to feeling and himself were converts to the Gospel of Christ $&sumably himself to be a “somebody?” Or would he, on the contrary, at the time of Paul’s visit to their home at Lystra during be a faithful soldier of the cross, meek, humble, gentle toward his first missionary tour. It is presumed that at the time of all, an example both in faith and practice to the:e with whom his receipt of this letter Timothy must have been about forty he came in contact? And withal; would he hold fast to the years of age. Tradition has it that he was about sixteen Scrinturee and be ant to teach others to look to this divine years old at the time of his own and his mother’s conversion sour’ce of information? to the Gospel. When he was about twenty-one years of age He remembered that heretofore Timothy had been so close to himself in the work that he had he, with Silas, accompanied the Apostle Paul on his second tour through Asia Minor, and from that time on for some been measurablv shielded from manv trials to which he would now he exposed”; and yet, no doubt he realized that, if Timothy sixteen years he was closely identified with the Apostle in would be prepared to take the work of a general minister, his service of the truth, until left by the Apostle with the whirh Paul, the prisoner and arowing old, must shortlv lav church at Ephesus, that he might help them over some diffiaside, it was time that he was’ learning how to stand,“comculties into which they had fallen. It was while Timothy ulete in the strength which God sunnlies through his Word. was thus serving the church at Ephesus that he received the two epistles which bear his name. without leaning “so particularly, a9’ herktofo&] upon any earthly prop. Paul introduces himself not bv calling attention to his personal qualities as a logician, nor by boaiting of any service These reflections no doubt had much to do with the Apostle’s prayers for Timothy “night and day;” and he now writes which he had performed as the Lord’s servant and minister of the truth; but, properly, by reminding Timothy of his aposwith a view to strengthenina him along these lines remindtleship (one of the twelve, taking Judas’ place) specially ing him of the genuine f;ith and piety which he had both from his mother and his grandmother. and commissioned bv the Lord to introduce his Gosnel. and sne- inherited cially prepared “for the work by being made a w’itness of the assuring him that he believed that this had?aid a deep ‘founLord’s resurrection, having been granted a glimpse of his dation of true piety and faith in Timothy’8 own heart. We glorious person on his way to Damascus and commissioned to pause here to notice the fact everywhere kept prominent in declare the condition8 for the fulfillment to men of God’s the Scriptures that according to the divine arrangement not promise of life, provided in Christ Jesus. only are- the sins of the parents visited upon the children ior Although the Apostle had no natural children of his own, several generations. but also that the faith and godliness of the parents, when rightly based on the Word of God and the his tender address to Timothy as his “dearly beloved true promises of that Word, lay the foundation of character son,” and his invocation upon him of a divine blessing, shows in their children, upon which there is the greater hope that a that he lacked none of those fine, noble and endearing sentilife of godliness and usefulness may be built. Indeed, the very fact ments which belong to a true parent. Not‘only does the Apostle strengthen Timothy’s mind by that he had no natural children seems to have broadened the Auostle’s sentiments to such an extent that figurativelv he a remembrance of the goodlv heritage of faith and uietv received from his motherXAand”grandmother, but in ndditidn he took into his affections, as his own children, all who accepted reminds him of the grace of God specially conferred unnn him the Gosnel. We remember that he freauentlv used this firrure of spee;h, “Although ye have many *teachers, ye have-not (Timothy) at that certain time when he madr a full con+ cration of himself to the Lord, to be God’s servant; when the many fathers in the Gospel”-“1 Kave begotten” you in my bonds.” On another occasion he represents his efforts for a Apostle, exercising his power 8s an Apoatlr, and as was common in those days, communicated to Timothy by supernatural development of a fully consecrated Christian life amongst power an outward gift or token of the holy Spirit, through the believers under the figure of a mother travailing for her children. This being true of the Apostle’s general sentiment the laying on of his hands. The Apostle had evidently either toward the household of faith, it would be much more true heard or surmised that Timothv was allowing the fervor of in the case of Timothy, who had so nobly and truly filled the his zeal for God to die out, and hcnre here he urges him to part of a son to him. “stir up the gift of God which is in thee.” The Greek word Incidentally the Apostle here points out the purity of his here rendered’ “stir up” has the significance of re-anki&e: conscience toward God, before his eyes were opened to a recas though the Apostle said, Re&nkindle your gift by renewed ognition of the Lord Jesus, while making mentlion to Timothy energy. that he prayed for him day and night-with great desire to The next vrrse enforces this view. implying that the Apes see him, and a remembrance of Timothv’s tears. when thev tle thought that Timothy was in danger of being overcome parted dompany at Ephesus in the interist of the truth. I”t by fear, so as to allow his zeal to abate. And hence he reIII-17 t21661

(170-171)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLEGHZNY.

Pa.

minds him that the Spirit of the Lord imparted to his people is not a spirit of fear, but on the contrary a spirit of power, energy, zeal, awakened by love-loving devotion to God, and a desire to please and serve him; loving devotion to the truth, and a loving devotion to God’s neonle and a desire to build them up in-holy things, and to do good unto all men as we have opportunity. And yet, lest Timothy should get the thought that the Spirit of God led onlv to a zeal or energy -that might at times be unwise in its”exercise and do movrk harm than good-the Apostle adds that the Spirit of God which he bestows upon those who are begotten as his sons is a spirit of a “sound mind;” a mind that is fortified and strengthened by the Word of the Lord on every subject, and hence, while thoroughly fearless of man, is wise in judging of times, seasons and methods for using the energy of love which burns as a fire within the consecrated heart. 0 that all of God’s children might appreciate, and more and more obtain, the spirit of a sound mind, by which all of their talents might be used, not only fearlessly but wisely, in the Master’s service. Continuing his exhortation (3: 14-15) the Apostle impresses upon Timothy two things: ( 1) That he had been taught of God, and (2) that this teaching of God had come to him through the Scriptures, which, he assures him, are sufficient to bring him all the way to the complete realization (in the resurrection) of that salvation which God has provided through faith in Christ Jesus. It will be well for us all to remember that all the graces of the spirit: all the progress in the knowledge of divine things to which we already have attained, that may have reallv helned us nearer to God and to holiness, have ‘come to us “through the Scriptures of the Old Testament, and through the words of our Lord and his inspired apostles: nor will it ever be necessary to go to other channels for the true wisdom which would prepare us for the salvation promised. Proceeding the Apostle shows (verses 10. 17) that the Scriptures which God inspired are profitable ‘in every direction. and auite sufficient for the man of God. Needing no supplement; of visions or dreams, either his own or &her men’s. They are profitable for doctrine, containing the full statement of the divine plan; and no human authority is competent to add thereto. Who hath known the mind of the Lord?-Who hath been his counselor? They are useful also for reproof toward others: No words that we can use in correcting the errors of others either in word or doctrine could possibly be as forcible for reproof as the inspired words of

They are useful also for “correction,” literally, Scripture. “to bring up and establish one in the right.” No standard of morals or of discipline can so thoroughly search out the heart and correct its waywardness as the Lord’s Word. Not, however, that God’s Word is merely a statement of platitudes and moral instruction-it is far more than this; it searches the heart, the motives, the intentions, the thoughts, the ambitions, the aspirations. It pronounces a blessing upon the “pure in heart,” those whose intentions are upright, honest, clean. The Word of the Lord as a corrector “in righteousness” takes hold unon all the affairs of life, and to those who are exercised theriby gives not only the spirit of a sound mind so that they are able to weigh and appreciate things from the true standpoint-God’s standpoint of righteousness; but it also inculcates a righteousness toward God, and the propriety of seeking that holiness of which God is the perfect Moreover, it reaches down to the relationships example. between husbands and wives, parents and children, friends and neiehbors. If wrmitted. it settles ever-v matter for us on ” lines of justice and love. ’ The Apostle assures us accordingly that God’s teachings through the Scriptures are given-“That the man of God may be furnished completely unto every good work.“-Revised Version. Here the Apostle has reference to perfection of character (he makes no reference to perfection in the flesh, elsewhere assuring us that even in his own case he realized “in my flesh dwelleth no perfection”). The nerfection of character here pointed out as the proper and desirable aim of all Christians, and prepared for by the Lord through the giving of his inspired Word, should be the aim, the mark, toward which all the soldiers of the cross running in the race for the great prize should bend their energies. Perfection of character was exemplified to us in the person of our dear Redeemer, whom God has exalted to the right hand of majesty and power; and we are informed by the Apostle that the Father has predestinated that all of the “little flock” who will share the kingdom with Christ must be conformed to this glorious image of his Son-must have perfected characters, hearts, minds fully submitted to the will of the Father and ‘to all righteous: ness, in all things; however imperfect the earthen vessel may be, and however incompletely we may be able at our best to carry out in every thought and wnrd and deed all the desires of our hearts and the endeavors of our transformed mindsnew characters, the earnest or beginning of the new natures which will be completed in the first resurrection.

PERSONAL
JUNE

RESPONSIBILITY

20.--soMAX! 14 : 10-21. “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumblcth, or is ensnared or made weak.“-Ram. 14:21. In this lesson the Apostle brings forcibly to our attention steps of Jesus.” No, there is only the one name given under the fact that amongst those who have accepted Christ as their heaven, only the one faith, only the one door, only the one Saviour, trusting in his precious blood and- consecrating themWe are way of access into the justified state or condition. selves to him, there should be permitted the greatest liberty not, therefore, to excuse differences on this fundamental doe We need, however, to discriminate between of conscience. trine bv calling them matters of conscience, for conscience liberty in the matter of conscience, and liberty in the matter has nothing to-do with the matter. These are faith differof fnzth. These two very different things are verv freauentlv ences. He who has the faith riahtlv based is iustified. and confounded; and the Apostle’s words in’ this lesson are’ madk he who has not the properly based” faith is unjustified and an excuse for fellowshipping on?/ faith or no faith. On the is yet in his sins. rontrarv, the Apostle verg emphaticallv shows elsewhere. in Neither can this question of conscience excuse from obethis very same epistle. and in ‘all his writings, that matters dience to any of the matters which are clearly and distinctly of faith and of divine instruction are not matters of conscience taught by the Lord and his apostles by word and example. at all: and our consciences (otherwise our judgments) are For instance. our Lord enioined love of the brethren: it is not to drtcrmine in reference to what we shall believe, in the not the province, therefore,” of any man’s conscience to judge sense of deciding our faith: on that subiect the entire church that in his case love of the brethren is unnecessary. Again, of God stands upon one platform; and whoever does not stand Christ and the apostles enioined upon the church that we upon that platform is not related to the church of God in should not only &-mbolically eat his flesh (appropriate the a11.vsense or particular. merit of his sacrifice) and drink his blood (share his death St. Paul declared that platform emnhaticallv when he -be dead with him),‘but our Lord provided an outward symsaid. “I delivered unto you &st of all that which I also rebol of this to be commemorated annually and said, “Do tjbid, ceived [first of all] how that Christ DIED for our sins, accordin remembrance of me.” And the apostles set us the example of doing this on its anniversary. ing to the Scriptures, and that he was raised again on the It is not, therefore, a matter third dav for our justification.” Whoever received this tesof conscience. but a matter of obedience, whether we do it Similarly, our Lord declared the immersion timonv (that his sins have been atoned for) into a eood and or do it not. honest heart, accepting Jesus as his Redeemer, and’ seeking (burial) of his will into the Father’s will and the real bapto live ccnnrate from sin nntl in harmony with God, and actism into death, saying, “I have a baptism to be baptized cepting from the risen Christ the robe of his righteousness, with, and how am I straitened until it be accomplished.” A such a one was thereby “juslified” from all things, from which few days after this it was accomplished, “finished,” at Calthe law could not. justify. varv: but in addition to this. the real bantism. our Lord at It is not, therefore, for one to RRV, “You rnav bc justified through faith in the Redeemer, the” beginning of his consecration symbolized it in a water through faith ‘in the precious blood, and I will be justified immersion at the hands of John, saying, “Thus it becometh bv works of the law:” nor for another to say, “I will be jusus to fulfill all righteousness.“-Matt. 3:15. tified, not by faith in the blood, but by walking in the footThe apostles also enjoined this, explaining that water bap[ ZlSS]

JUNE 1, 1897

ZION’S

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(171-172)

tism was “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,” but simply “the answer [outward declaration] of a good con(Born. 6:2-6) that the science toward God ;” they instructed real baptism is a baptism or burial of the will into the will of Christ, whereby the believer becomes dead to his own will and alive to the will of Christ; dead with him to the world, its aims, ambitions, hopes, fears, etc., and henceforth alive with Christ, to the hopes and promises set before us in his Gospel. Yet, while teaching this, as the real baptism, the apostles, nevertheless, clearly taught by word and deed a baptism in water, as the outward symbol of this heart-consecration and burial of the will, whereby our good consciences would testify or answer to our faith and obedience in the It is not, therefore, a matter for sight of fellow-believers. any man’s conscience to decide whether or not he will obey the voice of the Lord and of the apostles: It is merely a question of LnouJledge and of obedience, both as respects the real baptism of the will, and also respecting the outward, spIt is a fact that quite a great many bolic bantism in water. (mistaught) have never learned either of the true-baptism or burial of the will by full consecration into the will of Christ, nor of the symbolic baptism. And some have learned of the symbolic baptism who do not understand and have never performed the real baptism of consecration. And others have nerformed the real baptism of consecration, but have never performed the symbolic baptism. We believe that disobedience on the nart of this latter class in connection with the symbol will quite probably be excused by the Lord because of in saying that neither ignorance ; but we have no hesitation the real baptism, nor its symbol in water are matters that can be set aside or excused as a question of conscience (judgment) upon which each has a right to exercise his own opinion. In the lesson before us the Apostle points out that those who have become God’s people by obedient faith and consecration (so long as they maintain that faith and conseoration) are amenable only to God with respect to their views of his will on minor matters respecting whiih he has not given positive instructions. It is to him that each one is resnonsiblc. If really and truly they bow their knee to him, ‘and if really snd truly their tongues confess to him, no human being has either the right or the ability to intervene and to judge of their consciences, in respect to feasts or fasts, new moons or holy days, eating meat or abstaining from meatnone of which thmgs are regulated under the New Covenant. Others have the right to commend or advise on these subjects, but have not the right to command or condemn. The Apostle urgcq that since each one of us must give an account of himself to God as a consecrated member of the body of Christ, according to his own conscience or judgment of the Lord’s will, therefore, each is to remember that God is the Judge of sll; and instead of condemning one another for conscientious differences with reference to feasts and fasts. etc.. each should rather make sure that from his own life ‘he remove everything that would be calculated to mislead or to stumble his brother by a vioIation of his conscience. The important point of discussion toward which the Apostle’s argument was directed was the eating of meat which had previously been offered to idols-and it would appear that nearly all the meat sold in the market places in heathen countries was so offered. Some of the brethren insisted that therefore they were practically deprived of eating meat at a neighbor’s house or at a restaurant, and felt obliged to inquire as would a Jew. And these were inclined to look with discredit upon those who did eat such meat. The Apostle shows that his mind took the broad view, that since the idol was nothing, the meat could not have been injured in any Through many a lovely landscape My pilgrim-staff I’ve brought, From manv a rockv em’nence My gaze the valley sought. But far above all mountains I’ve ever seen, give me The quiet, lonely hillock, The Mount of Calvary. It towers not with forehead Ice-crowned into the clouds. No sunny Alpine glacier Its shoulders bare enshrouds. But ne’er in all my wanderings Seemed heaven so near to me, And earth so lost in distance, As there on Calvary. [2167]

manner. Nevertheless, while he would like to have seen all the brethren fully informed on the subject, he discouraged any attempt on the part of others to shame them into violating their consciences; and he points out to those who are strong, and who could see the matter clearly, that instead of ridiculing the weaker brethren, they should “be glad to note their conscientiousness and to heln them. for bv ridicule and getting them to violate their c&scie&e thei might start in a downward course, which would lead to their destrucInstead of forcing the weaker brother to use a tion. liberty which would violate his conscience, the stronger broth&, if he asked the weaker to eat at his table, should-be careful to nrovidc meat that had not been offered to idols, that the weaker brother might not be tempted to violate his Why should we be so bent on using our liberty conscience. and forcing it on others when we see that it might lead to the injury of brothers for whom Christ died? Christ left the glory with the Father and humbled himself to man’s eondition, and even to death, giving up life itself for our fallen race; can we, therefore, if we have our Master’s spirit, do less than sacrifice some of our rights and liberties in the interest And by so doing your good, your of the weaker brethren? liberty, your right view of the matter, would not be evil spoken of. We are indeed the kingdom of God in embryo, and as such we are not in bondage, but realize the liberty which the poor world, ignorant of the great Emancipator, Christ, and the great emancipation which he has wrought for those who receive him, does not comprehend. But, urges the Apostle, let us remember, dear brethren, that the advantage of being members of this embryo kingdom is not merely these Zibertks, which release us from the Mosaic restrictions with reference to what we will eat and to what we will drink, but it means far more, even in the present life. The most valuable blessings which we have as members of this embryo kingdom are righteousness (justification through Christ) and its resulting blessings of peace and joy in the holy Spirit. Let us not, therefore, think that in giving up some of our liberties we would be losing the blessings and favors of the Gospel-quite the contrary, we have all the best things left to us, and may the more richly enjoy them by copying our Master’s self-denial in sactifioing these little liberties. And he that in these things (verse 18) surrenders his own rights and liberties, in his endeavor to serve Christ, serving some of the humble members of his body, is both acceptable with God and approved of men-not only will fellow-men apprecrate such little sacrifices, on their behalf, but God also will annreciate them. Therefore. instead of contending about our rights and privileges and battling to have these: let us rather follow in the way that leads to peace and the things whereby we may become helps one to another as members of the Lord’s body. Do not permit a question respecting your food, drink or clothing to destroy the work of God--either the work of the development of his grace in your own heart, or by breaking down the conscience of a weaker brother, destroy the work which grace has begun in him. Being free from the Mosaic law, we understand that all kinds of food are permissible, and none to be regarded as unclean, but if any one thinks that certain food is unclean (forbidden by God’s command) it would be a sin for him to eat it, because he thus would violate his conscience. Finally, brethren, the Apostle urges, it would be a good rule to follow. to refrain from either the eating of meat or the drinking of wine, or any other liberty whose exercise would likely do injury to another, either temporarily or permanently.
JUNE 27th-REVIEW

CALVARY
On its bald summit never A crown of forest stoodNo gently waving oak-tops, No precious cedar-wood. But all the royal cedars That Hermon once did see Their lofty heads are bowing Before Mount Calvary. Go thither, earth-worn pilgrim, There seek thy rest at last; And at the feet of Jesus Thy heavy burdens cast. Then come and praise with gladnessHow much was done for thee ! Know this : the road to glory Leads over Calvary. -F?-om the (fernwn.

ASPIRATIONS
0, let me give Out of the gifts thou give&; 0, let me live With life eternally because thou livest; 0. make me shine In darkest places, for thy light is mine; 0, let me be A faithful witness for thy truth and thee.

Many were surprised that after the widely published announcement that Archbishop Corrigan (Roman Catholic) would take a prominent part in the recent dedication of the Grant Monument, and that he would pronounce the closing benediction-he was afterward dropped irom the arrangemen?, and took no part. The explanation is now at hand. It appears that two of General Grant’s sisters caused the change of program. The Primitive Catholic says: “Mrs. Virginia Grant Corbin of Newark, and Mrs. J. Cramer of Orange, N. J., both sisters of General Grant, refused most emphatically to attend the ceremonies if any Roman Catholic prelate should be called upon to bless the sarcophagus and ttter any of his benedictio&. “Then the nreat men in Washimzton and New York. the generals and pitriots composing the ;ommittee on ceremonies, exercised much diplomacy and cunning, animated into activity on account of their cringing fear of offending the popish pohticians and their master, but it was all of no avail. Those two American women held out; no compromise was possible with the resolute stand they had taken. The committee was obliged to concede the palm of victory to them and avert a national scandal, consisting of a most flagrant breach of trust, against the memory of the dead soldier, against his family and the nation at large.”
PAPACY SEEKING NATIONAL PROMINENCE

During President Cleveland’s administration the Roman Catholic church requested a grant of space on government ground at the United States Militarv Academv at West Point ‘for the erection of a chapel. The permission” was given, and forthwith foundations for a larpe church building were ban. But the press protested so vehohently against xhe pro&ding of church sites by the general government that the permission was recalled and the work stopped. The matter has come before the new administration, and it has decided that the church may be built; and that any other denomination desiring to build there shall also be granted a site; but the a&mption is that not many Protestant denominations will accept the offer, since few of them would cart to spend the money to build a structure that would compare favorably with the one now being started. Roman&m has for Sears been laboring to sxamp its character and influence upon this government. To this end it has spent money liberally at our national Capital-for the great (:atholir College and other church institutions. This move on \I’est Point is in the same line: for. althouzh comparativelv few of the Cadets are Romanists; the; recogn&z that^ influence upon them will be influence upon a “class that some day will wield a pronounced influence in governmental affairs. They are zealous, too, in forwarding the interests of Catholic young men for ndmiqsion to \Test Point. Protestants seem to think that Romanism has changed within the last century. She has c,hangrcI her tactics, but not her principles; and that because shr \\I,!: lnsing her hold: she changed so as to take a fresh hold on the DenpIe’s liberties. She will be a prominent fimre in thr time of t*rouble and will have the coiipkration of 6anv “Prntestnnts” in efforts to maintain “the vresent social order.;’ lbth l’rnteqtnnts and Rnmanists have >or some time been nlnvin,r to h:~vc the TJnited Staten declared to be a “Christian n:Ltion :” ant1 having at last unitedly succeeded, ns represented In the clcc~iqinn of the United States Supreme Court. Romani+m will lw crafty enough to grasp her full share of the power.
HIGH-CHURCH OPINION OF SECTARIANISM

such low, time-serving, ignorant superstitions as the Baptist church. the Methodist EDiscoDal church. and the like. In the East t&ese parvenu folk’do iot dare tb raise their heads, or if they do t-hey are laughed at for their pains. But no doubt in the West it is different, and quite possib!y there a Baptist minister or a Methodist minister may consider himself as on an equality with the church clergyman! Should this be the case, a little ‘arrogance’ and ‘superciliousness’ would be very useful and highly commendable. Those who boast that they derive their office from the people should be made to know, if not to feel, that thev are removed bv an infinite chasm from those who derive thei; mysterious po\;ers from above and are the vicegerents of heaven. “Of course in matters non-ecclesiastical there should be Christian politeness shown to every one according to his position in life; but even in such matters dissenting ministers should be made to feel their inferiority.” This minister and editor is not weli posted. We can assure him that some Methodist and Baptist congregations have in recent years come nearer to his conceptions of true Christianity-i. e., become more arrogant and supercilious, and nearer to the Scriptural description of the Laodicean stage of the church-rich, increased in goods and havin need of nothing ; and knowing not that they are poor, bPmd, miserable and naked.-Rev. 3: 16-19. We much regret that all of the arrogance, etc., is not confined to Episcopaleans, Presbyterians and Lutherans; and we trust that the truly meek and humble in every quarter of Babylon will give earnest heed to the Lord’s words, “Come out of her my people; that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her [chastisements] plagues.“Rev. 18:4.
THE “OVERPRODUCTION OF MINISTERS”

The lcctnr of St. Tgnatius’ Protestant Episcopal church, New York City, Rev. -Arthur Ritchie edits a monthly church journal. In a recent issue of this paper appears an editorial of which the follo\rin,g is an extract: “As a mtltter of fact. could anything be more utterly contemptible than the great American sects? We do not refer to respectable religions. like the Presbyterian and the Lutheran, the fruit of the travail nf thp sixteenth century but
(158-176)

Not long since The Evening Post (New York) published an article advocating “A Society for the Decrease of the Ministry.” Some of the arguments for fewer ministers were: “The all-pervasive restlessness and discontent” of the ministry, so great that “a prominent officer of a missionary society is reported to have said that in all his visitations of the clergy of a certain state he had failed to discover a single incumbent who did not wish to make a change;” “the underlying anxiety for prospective bread and butte;;” the disgraceful “scramble for place,” so that “a certain Congregational church in Connectirut, with by no means an inviting future, received not less than two hundred and fifty applications, scattered all the wav from Maine to Californ’ia:” the existence of a “dead line’; beyond fifty years of age, and the growing “commercial basis of modern church life.” This question, started in England, is being much discussed here also. The World (New York) has interviewed some of the leading ministers and college professors on the subject, and we subjoin extracts from some of their replies: The President of Andover Seminary, Rev. George Harris, true that the ranks of the D. D., said: “It is undoubtedly ministry are at present overcrowded. The number of unemployed clergymen is increased somewhat by reason of the protracted depression of business. Some of the small churches are not able to pay a living salary, and the missionary societies are obliged &J reduce-their w&king forces.” ” Rev. Dr. George Hodges of Episcopal Theological School, Harvard University, says : “It is true that every desirable vacant parish is pursued by an eager crowd of parsons, some of them being out of emnlovmcnt. others being discontented with their e&es. It is tr;e”also that after mivddle life many ministers find the door of opportunity shut in their faces.” Rev. Lewis W. Mudge, D. D., Princeton, N. J., says: “The spirit of unrest so manifest in churches and among ministers is seen also in other professions and in business circles, and is the outcome of financial and social conditions.” Prof. Edward L. Curtis, Yale Theological Seminary, says: “The complaint that there is an oversupply of ministers might

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JUXB 15, 1897

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WATCH

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(177 -178)

be made of any of the learned porfessions as much as of the ministry. “I do believe, however, that such schools as the Moody School and others of that kind, where onlv the English branches are taught, have had a tendency to “send men-into the ministry only partially equipped for the work, and that it has had a tendency to bring about a competition not desirable.” Dr. James 0. Murray, Dean of Princeton University, says: “What the church wants is a higher intellectual standard. There are too many men in the ministry that could not prosper at anything else and do not succeed here.” ‘Regardine an oversunnlv of Rev. Dr. John Hall said: ministers, much may be said that ys true, but no more true than of other professions. . . . What we need in the nation is not a reduction in the number of ministers, but an increase of spiritual power, of fidelity to the Master, of the teaching and preaching of the glorious Gospel, and of reliance on the guidance of the holy Spirit in the hearts of people and pastors.” We agree with Dr. Hall, that there are not too many ministers of the right kind-there are merely too many profeesionnl ministers. Every fully consecrated, humble Christian is a member of the “royal priesthood,” commissioned to minister (serve) the truth to all who have ears to hear ; to be ambassadors’ for God; to show forth the praises of him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. Such were the ministers of the primitive church, and there

cannot be too many of these God-ordained ministers of the sanctuary, who labor not for filthy lucre’s sake, but gather fruit unto eternal life and await the Master’s-“Well done, good and faithful servant [minister], enter into the joys of thy Lord.” The harvest is great and such laborers are far too few. Pray ye the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth more laborers into his vineyard; and seek and pray that you yourself mav be one of them. Of such ministers it is written: “They shall be all taught of God.”
‘ ‘ SELF.DEXIAL WEEK’ ’

The Salvation Army in Great Britain has recently had a “self-denial week,” the results of which are announced to be $124,000. This is the second week of the kind within a year. When returns are received from other parts of the world it is expected that the total will be a quarter of a million dollars. We greatly admire the real of the “Army,” and recommend that special efforts be made to put “present truth” before them favorably. We wonder whether clearer knowledge of the Lord and his goodness and gracious plan would lead them as it ought to redoubled energy in the service of so gracious a Master, or whatever it would cool their ardor and selfdenial. The truth is a crucial test of our consecration, true love and devotion to our Lord. He seeketh such as worship and serve him in spirit and in truth-from love, not from fear. Let each reader ask himself, How is it with mc9

WHAT
PROOFS TEAT

SAYS THE
IT IS DEMONISM

SCRIPTURES

ABOUT
.I .

SPIRITISM?
.

That which we believe to be the truth resnectine Sniritism ( 1) -The majority of is antagonized from two standpoints: people have no confidence in Spiritism, but believe its claimed (2) An increasmanifestations and oroofs are fraudulent. ingly large number jre disposed to deny the kxistence of the evil spirit beings called demons, and of the prince of demons, called in the Scriotures the devil and Satan. Rev. Adam C&k, D. D.. has well said: “Satan knows well that those who deny his being will not be afraid of his Dower and influence: will not watch against his wiles and deiices. will not pray to God for delivirance from the evil one; w;ll not expect him to be trampled down under their feet. if he has no existence: and. conseouentb, they will become an easy and unopposing prey to the. enemy of their souls. By leading men to disbelieve and deny his existence, he throws them off their guard. He is then their complete master, and they are led c;ptive by him at his will. It is well known that among all those who make any profession of religion, those who deny the existence of the devil, are those who pray little or none at all; and are, apparently, as careless about the existence of God as they are about the beinn of the devil. Dutv to God is with them out of the quesTion; for those who do not pray, especially in privateand I never saw a devil-denier who did-have no reliaion of any kind, except the form, whatever pretentions they may choose to make.” If it be asked how Spiritism could do injury to those who consider its claims to be deceptions and frauds and its votaries to be dupes, we answer. that a large majority of its votaries are those who at one time thorouahlv and heartilv denied its claims and considered them impo&ions. Those wh& most thoroughly disbelieve in Spiritism. are often the most reads to test its urofesscd claims: and when convinced that many of its claims-are geuuine and many of its manifestations supernatural, these former disbelievers are more liable to become its devotees: whereas, if they had known just what Spiritism is, and how and by what power it operates, they would be on guard, and their judgment would have a support and guidance which it otherwise lacks. It is the lack of the true knowledge of Spiritism (imparted through the Scriptures and confirmed) bv indisnutable evidences from outside the Scriptures) which” causes so many to fall a prey to- this delusion. True, there are frauds committed in the name of Spiritism.; but these are chiefly in connection with attempted “materializations.” That Spiritists have done and can do, through some power or agency, many wonderful works beyond the power of man, has been abundantly proved in a variety of cases-some of them before scientific men, total unbelievers. Tambourines have been played while in the air bevond the reach of human hand and suspended by some invisible power; chairs have been lifted into the air while people were sitting upon them, and without any connection with any visible power or agency; mediums have been floated through the air, etc. The rapping [2169]

tests. the table-tinDing tests. the autogranh tests and the slate-writing tests have been proved over and over again., to the satisfaction of hundreds of intelligent people in various parts of the world. And Spiritism reckons amongst its adherents judges, lawyers, business men and numbers of women of ability. These people have tested the claims of Spiritism and have candidlv avowed their faith in it. And it is unwise, to say the least, to sneer at such as fools or knaves-fools if simply deluded by tricks and slight of hand; knaves if they are willinalv and knowinglv lending their time and influence to the per-p&ration of frauds. The writer was inclined to be skentical with reference to all the various claims of Spiritism -until convinced to the contrary by a Christian man, in whose testimony he was iustified in having full confidence. This friend was not a believer in Spiritiim, but being thrown into the company of some Spiritists for an evening, the suggestion was made, “Let us have a seance.” The company present assented, our friend remaining from curiosity. They sat down to a table, placed their hands upon it in the usual manner, and one of the number nresent being a medium, inquired: “Are there anv spirits present?” The answer indicated by raps upon th-e table-one for A, two for B, three for (3, etc., spelled out the information that snirits were nresent. but that thev would hold no communi&ion that &erring: The mediu; asked, “Why?” The answer rapped out was, “Because new mediums are being appointed all over the United States.” The company was disappointed and, through the medium, asked that as a test the name of some prominent person dying that night should be communicated. The request was complied with and the name of a Russian dignitary, which we cannot now recall, was snelled out. This was before the Atlantic cable was laid. and mv friend, anxious to test the matter, kent watch of the newspapers and finally, nearly a month after (the time reauisite for Russian mails in those davs) he saw the announcement of the death of the Russian notable bearing that very name. Our friend was convinced that Spiritism was not all a “hoax,” and was anxious for another meeting. When it took place, in view of the answer at the previous meeting, the medium inquired, ‘&Are there any mediums present? and if so, how many ?” The answer was, “Four.” The medium asked the spirit to please indicate which four of those present were mediums. and as each one called his name the mediums were indicated by a rap upon the table by some invisible agent. Our friend was one of those indicated and richt nroud h: felt of the honor. This occurred in Wheeling: VVt Va. Shortly after he came to Sllegheny, Pa., and visited an aunt, a widow, who with her family resided here. Anxious to display his newly conferred powers as a medium, he asked his aunt and her -daughter to join him in a “seance.” They were surmised, and the dnurhter said: “Whv. are vou a medium? I a-m a rapping medium also, hrother l%rry-ii a tipping me. dium and mother is a writing and trance medium.” Our friend had never witnessed the powers of any but ram+-

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TOWER

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mediums, and was very anxious that his aunt should display the powers of her mediumship, and was shown writing done by her which was an exact fat-simile of his dead uncle’s autograph upon checks. And strange, too, his uncle wrote a fine hand, while his aunt could not write at all, except under this influenre. Wishing to test her powers as a talking medium, the three surrounded a small table, and the aunt called for a spirit to communicate through her. The answer given was that there would be no communication. because there were no unbelievers Thei persisted, however, and got the present to convince. aunt to call again for the spirit. The answer this time was that her hands were forcibly lifted from the table and brought do\+n upon it with a bang. This was something surprising to them all. The spirits evidently were provoked at the pertin:lcity of a second call after their refusal. But after disrusymk the matter for some ten minutes our friend prevailed upon his aunt to call a,nain for the snirits and see what else w&Id happen. She complied, and in iesponse her hands were lift& from the table and brought down with fearful concus<ion. three times in rapid succession, sounding as though rvc’ry bone would be b&ken; and with her eyes- staring o”ut wildly and shrieking Oh! Oh; Oh! she jumped from the table in :I semi-delirious condition. ‘l’h:lt spirit. whoever it may have been, was evidently angry ant1 wnntrd it understood that it could not be trifled with. Oul friend informs us that never after that would his aunt haho anything to do with Spiritism as a medium-she had caution enough to I& it alone. But our friend was anxious to witness the powers of a “tipping medium,” and in the evening, when his couniu Harry came home, he insisted on ha\ ing an exhibition of his mediumship. Harry complied and amongst other tests was the following: He placed a small, light table in the renter of the floor and said: “I call for the spirit of our old dog Dash to come into this table.” Then ntltlrrssing the table, he said: “Come Dash!” The table balanccd itself on two feet and hobbled after him around the room. I sl~ould here remark that our friend, who vouches for tbcqe matters, will no longer exercise any of his powers as a medium. He is a prominent Christian man now living in this rit! . His views with reference to Spiritism are now rhe same th.lt we are here rndeavoring to present. The claim. of Spiritists is that these manifestations and communications from unseen intelligences are from human beings, who once lived in this world, but who, when seem&g to (lie, really became more alive, more intelligent,, freer, and erc~y way more capable and competent than they had ever bcrli lH’fO1e. It is claimed that the purpose of these manifcst:ltions is to prove that the de& are not dead, but alive; that, there is no need of a resurrection of the dead. because there are no dead-the dead being more alive than eier, after pasqing into what is termed death. We shall not stop here to show how inharmonious all this is to the testimony of Scripture upon this subject, but merely cite the reader to the Word of the Lord: reminding him that “If there be no resurrection of the dead, . . . then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ arc pe&hed.“-1 Cor. 15: 13, 18; Job 14:Zl; 1’s~. 146:4; Eccl. 0:5. 6. Here is the point of infatuation. As soon as the unbelic>\rr in Spiritism has been convinced that an unseen intelligenec communicates through the medium, he is all interest. Nnrhin~ else offers such proofs from invisible sources as does Fpil itism : and many seem l;ot only willing but anxious to w;llk 1)s sight rather than bv faith. Everv one has friends who ).I;VC died, and thousan&cr are anxioui to communicate with thrm if possible. and to receive from them some message 01 some advice. It is not surprising, therefore, to find people grwt Iy ;~l~sorbcd iu t,hese matters, and very willing to be dilc*ctrd by thme whom t,hey e&em their truest friends and ninct rompctcnt advisers. ‘I’l~cy visit a mrdium for the purpose of holding communimtion with the deud. The medium describes the hair, the t’yc~i. etc., and certain little peculiarities, such as a mole or :III Injured or deformed finger or foot (which the father or son or sister or wife identifies as the description of the loved nntb dt~ceasetl) nnd delivers a message which, however vague or indefinite. i* construed to be very important. The novices arc tilled with :I sort of reverent joy, &xed with a humble feeling of the iuferioritv of their own condition. and with a pride’ that they havt- heen counted worthy to ‘receive communications from “the spirit world,” while so many good and great people are not qo favored, but are “blind to the wonderful f&s of Spiritism.” The feelings thus started are somew11~ t akin to snrnr kinds of religious feelings, and straight w.cy t1w “rnnwds” are ready to believe and obey the advice

and instructions of those whom they believe to be so much wiser and holier than themselves, and so deeply interested in their welfare, present and eternal, as to leave the joys and ministries of heaven to commune with them and instruct them. The majority of people have no true Christian faith built upon the foundation of the Word of God: they have a wish for a future life, and a hoDe with reference to their dead. rather than a faith with refeience to either. As a consequence: their minds being convinced that they have had comniunica: tion with those beyond the grave, everything relating to the future life becomes more real and more interesting to them than ever before. And many such, wholly ignoranl of religious feelings, say to themselves. Now I know what it is to have faith,- and -they congratulate themselves that they have received a great sniritual blessing. But thii:is oniythe first lesion, and these comparatively uplifting experiences belong chiefly to it. Later experiences will demonstrate, as all Spiritists will freely acknowledge, that there are “evil spirits,” “lying spirits,” which time and again deceive them; and the messages and revelations. often foolish and nonsensical, gradually l&d the investigatir to a disbelief of the Bible and the Creator. while it teaches and exalts “the spirits” as the only sour&s of knowledge aside from nature ;- and thus the wiy is paved toward idvanced lessons on “spirit-affinities,” “free love.” etc. But after the first deception and shaking of confidence the explanation that there are “both good and bad spirits” is generally satisfactory; and the poor victim follows blindlv on. because assured th&. he commuies with some supernaturgl pbwer. As an illustration of this we mention the case of an old gentleman, a Pittsburger, an avowed Spiritist and an earnest defender of Spiritism. We knew something of his history through a mutual friend: how that, while holding a communication through a medium, supnoaedlv his “evoluted” wife. the latter said to%im: “John,’ I a& perfkctly happy only for’ one thing, and that is on your account.” He answered, “0, Mary, do not tillow my affairs to mar vour bliss! I am comnarativelv happy for an old man and cokparativelv comfortable.” Bu”t the answer came: “0 no. John. I know “better. I know that you are lonely, very lonely, that you miss me very much, and are suffering from lack of many little attentions; and that your home is comparatively dreary.” Mr. N. had full confidence in Mary’s judgment, and the message carried great weight; and his home and its affairs gradually grew less hap pifying, and he gradually grew dissatisfied: and so at a subseguerit “seance” he inq&red of Mary what he could do that She would relieve her burden and make her bliss comnlete. replied that he should find a suitable companion and re-marrv. Bit the old gentleman (seventy years oldj objected, that even if he could find a suitable companion, such a one would not have him. But at frequent interviews the supposed spirit of his wife insisted, and as he thought further over the matter he grew more lonely, and finally asked Mary to choose for him, aa she had so much better judgment than any earthly being could have on the subject. The medium affected great indignation at the answer, and would not communicate it at first. The more she objected to giving the answer, the more anxious Mr. N. became to have it, and finally the medium explained that the spirit of his wife had said that Mr. N. should mar:? her (the Fedium) ; but that she was indignant iEet k:; spirit should think that she would marry an old man . . But the more Mr. N. thought the matter over, the more he was inclined to be, as he supposed, led by the good spirit of his wife into ways of Dleasantness and into naths of neace: and he urged upon the hedium that it was the duty bi hi: manity to obey the behests of their best friends in the “spirit world.” Finally the medium consented that if he would deed over to her wfiat property he possessed she would agree to follow the directions of the spirit and marry him. The matter was consummated in legal form, and Mr. N.. with his medium wife and her daughter, proposed to make tie formerly cold and cheerless home of Mr. N. all that this spirit-wife had wished for him. It was a very short time, however. before the poor old gentleman was very- glad to abandon ho&e and all, to get free from the two “she-devils,” as he afterward knew them. But did not this shake the confidence of Mr. N. in Sniritism? By no means. He merely communicated with his &fe again through another medium and was informed that a lying spirit had misrepresented her entirely, and that she had given no such bad advice. Knowing these facts concerning his history, when we met him shortly after, and he tried to urge upon the writer the claims of Spiritism, we said to him: “Mr. N., we will admit that Spiritism is backed by some

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super-human phenomena, but we deny that the powers which communicate renresent themselves truthfully. Thev claim to be friends and ielatives who once lived in this world, but the Scriptures assure us to the contrary of this that there is no work or knowledge or device in the grave, and that the dead know not anythiig. (Eccl. 9: 5, 10 )- They declare that the only hope of a future life is by a resurrection from the dead. You know, Mr. N.. that whatever these powers may be which claim to be the spirits of your friends, their testimony is You cannot believe their most solemn entirelv unreliable. decla&ions. Thev are what the Scriptures term “lying spirits.” We proceeded to give him, as we are about to give in this article. the identitv of these spirits as set forth in the Scriptures. He heartily “assented that some of the spirits “thoroughly bad,” but claimed that others were unreliable, were very good, very truthful, and had frequently given good advice, which had been very helpful to him. It is claimed by many Spiritists, especially by novices, that the influence of Spiritism is elevating: but those who have passed through the various stages of experience in this so-called relieious svstem have found. and have uubliclv declared, that %a inflience is quite the ‘reverse of elevatin”g-it is demoralizing. The metho; of operation is explained by The Banner of Liaht. a leading Suiritist naner. in answer to the auerv. thus: Y’cd.-Wherena s’pirit co;lt;ols the hand of medium 6 write, is the impression always made through the brain? “A.-Sometimes the control is what is termed mechanical control: then the connection between arm and brain is entirely severed, and yet the manifestation is made through what is called the nervous fluids. a certain nortion of which is retained in the arm for the purpose of action. But when the manifestation is what is called an impressional manifestation, then the brain and entire nervous system is used.” Explaining the difference between Mesmerism and spirit control, another journal, the b’piritual Age, says: “Sunuose Z magnetize uou todav: and that I, the mesmerieer;*speak. wrixe, act through you, you being unconscious Suppose, further, that I die tonight, -this is Mesmerism. and that tomorrow I, a spirit, come and magnetize you, and then speak, write, act through you-this is Spiritualism [Spiritism] .” The value of Spiritism to the world is thus summed up by the well known Horace L. Hastings: “According to the theory of Spiritualists, there are a hundred times as many disembodied spirits about us as there are men in the flesh. Among them are all the poets, authors, orators, musicians and inventors of past ages. They know all thev ever knew when thev were in the flesh, and have been learning a great deal more since; and with their added nowers and extended experience thev should be able to do They have had free what mortals have never done befo;e. access to the public mind and public press, with no end of mediums ready to receive their communications, and thousands and thousands of inquirers who have anxiously questioned them, and earnestly desired to obtain information from them. Thev have had tables and slates and pens and pencils and banjos”and pianos, and cabinets and bells-and violins and euitars: and what have we to show for it all? Their busi“ness in ‘this world has been to instruct men, to help them, to They have talked and rapped; make them wiser and better. thev have titmed and rattled: thev have fiddled and scribbled: they have ;daterialized and dematerialized; they have en: tranced and exhibited; they have told us many things which we knew before; many things which we do not know yet, and many other things which it was no matter whether we knew or not; but when we come to real instruction, reliable information, or nrofitable and valuable knowledge. Sniritualism is as barren a’s Sahara, as empty as a hollow ‘gourd.” WHO ABE THESE SPIRITS WHICH PERSONATE THE DEAD? We have in the Scriptures most abundant and most positive testimonv that no communication could come from the dead until afier the resurrection. Furthermore, we have positive Scripture testimony ( 1) that not only some, but all, of these spirits are “evil spirits,” “lying spirits,” “seducing spirits.” The Scriptures forbid that humanity should seek to these for information. and clearlv inform us that these demons or “devils are ‘%hose angel; which kept not their first estate”-some of the angels to whom was committed the sunervision of mankind in the neriod before the flood. for the purpose of permitting them to- endeavor to lift man&d out of sin: that bv their failure all might learn that there is but one effectual remedy for sin; viz., 0 that provided in Christ. These angels, instead of uplifting humanity, were themselves enticed into sin, and misused the power granted them, of materializing in human form, to start another race. (Gen. 6 : l-6)
I

Their illicit progeny was blotted out with the flood, and themselves were thereafter restrained from the liberty of assuming physical bodies, as well as isolated from the holy angels who had kent their angelic estate inviolate. The* Apostle Piter (2 Pet. 2:4) mentions these, saying, “God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell ~Tankwusl and delivered them into cha&s of darkn888. to be reserved unto judgment.” Jude (6) also mentions this class, saying, “‘The angels which kept not their first estate, [proper condition] he bath rebut left their own habitation served in everlasting chains-under darkness unto the judgNotice three points with reference ment of the great day.” to these evil angels. (1) They a”re imprisoned in Tartarus, restrained, but not destroyed. Tartarus is nowhere else rendered “hell,” but in this one passage. It does not signify the grave, neither does it signify the second death, symbolized by the “lake of ilre and brimstone;” but it does signify the air or atmosphere of earth. (2) They have some liberties in this imprisoned condition, yet they are chained, or restrained, in one respect-they are not permitted to exercise their powers in the light being “under chains of darkness.” (3) This restriction was to continue until “the judgment of the great day,” the great Millennial Day-in all a period of over 4,000 years. As we are now in the dawning of the Millennial day-“the great day”-it is possible that this should be understood to mean that some of these limitations as to “darkness” may ere long be removed, gradually. If so, if the “chains of darkness” should be released, it would permit these evil spirits to work deceptions or “lying wonders” in the daylight (as they are now attempting to do) to the delusion of mankind more than ever has been known since the flood. These fallen angels, or demons, are not to be confounded with Satan the prince ~of demons, or devils, whose evil career began long before-who was the first, and for a long time the only, enemy of the divine government; who, having been created an angel of a superior order, sought to establish himself as a rival to the Almighty, and to deceive and ensnare Adam and his race to be his servants: and a large extent, for a time at least, he has succeeded, as all know.- As “the prince of this world,” who “now worketh in the hearts of the children of disobedience,” he has indeed a very multitudinous host of deceived and enslaved followers. Naturally he would appreciate the deflection of the “angels who kept not their first estate,” and who were restrained at the time of the flood; and hence he is spoken of as their chief, “the mince of devils:” and no doubt as a sunerior order of being he c> exercises some degree of control over the others. These fallen angels, “demons,” have probably very little to interest them amongst themselves :-evil beings annarcntlv always prefer to mak> game of the purer, an’s ahparentlp take pleasure in corrupting and degrading them. The history of these demons, as given in the Scrintures. would seem to show that the evil co&piscencc which ied to-their fall, bcforc the flood. still continues with them. Thev still have their principal’pleasure in t,hat which is lascivio& and degrading; and the general tendency of their influence upon mankind 2s toward working mischief against the well-disposed, and debauchery of those over whom they gain absolute control. We are well aware that many Christian people have reached the conclusion that the Lord and the anostles were deceived, when thev attributed to the works of demons conduct that is now considered human propensity and mental unbalance and fits. But all should admit that if our Lord was in error on this subject, his teachings would 1~ an unsafe guide upon any subject. Notice the personulit?y and intelligence attributed to these demons in the following Scriptures: “Thou bclievest that there is one God; thou doest well; devils also believe and tremble.” (Jas. 2: 19) Do human propensities “believe and tremble?” The demons said to our Lord. “Thou art Christ. the Son of God! And he, rebuking them, suffered them not to speak [further], for they lclze?r that he was Christ.” (Luke 4:41) Another said, “Jesus Z know and Paul Z know. but who are ye ?” (Acts 19: 15) The young woman from whom Paul cast out the mirit of soothsavine and divination (Acts 16: 16-19) is a good illustration. “Caz it be claimed by any that the Apostle deprived the woman of any proper talent or power? Muqt it not be confessed to have been a spirit which possessed and used her body?-an evil spirit unfit to be tolerated there? Many of those who claim that the demons of the Scriptures were the spirits of wicked men and women who died, and that these are the “lying spirits” acknowledged by Spiritists, have still another difficulty ;-for generally they claim that the spirits of wicked dead go to hell-torments, as they

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wrongly interpret she02 and hades to mean.* If so, how could they be so much at liberty? “Witchcraft,” “Necromancy,” the “Black art,,’ “Sorcery,,, etc., are supposed by many to be wholly delusions. But when we find that they had a firer hold upon the Egyptians, and that God made special provision against them with Israel, we are xatisfird that he made no such restrictions either against that which is good, or against that which had no exi+tence whatever. The instruction to Israel was very explicit: they should not have any communion nor make any inquiries through necromancers (those who claimed to speak for the dead; i. e., spirit-mediums) ; nor with any wizard or witch ; nor with any who had occult powers, charms; nor with those who work miracles bv means of sorcery and incarllntion.--Read carefully all of” the following S&ptures,E~otl. 22:lR: Deut. 18:9-12: Lev. 19:31: 20:6. 27: 2 Kings 21 :%. 6, !I, il; 1 Chron. ld:13, 14; Acts lB:iG-15’; Gal. g: l!)-21: Rev. 21:8; Isa. 8:19, 20; 19:3. The Bible story of King Saul’s “seance” with the witch oi’ Fndor, a necromancer or spirit-medium, as related in 1 Sam. 28:7-20, is an illustration of what is claimed to be perfor mrd today. Altho the law with reference to these mediuttls W:I\ vthly strict and the punishment death, there were sonIf* who were willing to risk their lives because of the gains whirl1 could thus be obtained from people who believed that they were obtaining supernatural information from their dead trif,nds-just as with spirit-mediums today. King Saul wah ~~11 aware that there were numerous of these mediums residing in Israel contrary to the divine injunction and his o\\ n I it\\,, aud his servant4 apparently had no difficulty in findinr( the one at Endor. Saul disguised himself for the interview, but no doubt the craftv iFoman knew well the st:rtelv form of Saul-head nr& shoulders taller than anv other man ‘in Tsrael. (1 Sam. 9:2) Hence~ her particularity & secure a promise and oath from his own lips that no harm shollld befall her for the service. ‘1’1~ methods used by the evil srjirits throunrh the medium at T;;ndor we’re similar io those in &e today. !i’hey caused to nasb before the medium’s mental vision the familiar likeness of t,hc* a& prophet, Samuel, wearing as was his custom, a long mantle. When she described the mental (or “astral?“) pictriic, Saul recognized it at once as descriptive of Samuel; but Saul himself saw nothing-he “perceived,” from the description. that it was San&l. Easily convinced, as people under suc~h cirrumstanres uxuxllv are. Saul did not ston to quc&ion how it could be that Simuei looked as old anA as itc,opetl as hc looked in the present life, if he was now a spirit hcbillg and far better off; nor did he inquire why he wor(a Ihc h:lm(’ old mantle in the spirit world that he had worn wl~t~n ht. knew him a4 an earthly being. Saul had been forsal,~t hv thr Lord and was now easilv deceived bv these “lyirlg iljirits,,, who personnted the pr’bphet and spoke to Saul in his name, tbrnugh their “medium,” the witch, neci c,rnaIIc(~r. Spiritist. ‘l’ht~ fnllcn spit its aic uot well informed in respect to all the :lflnirx of the earth, but they are adepts in deceit. In :In*\re~inr: Saul, the mxnncr and style, and as nearly as c~c’ultl hr jutlglrd the sentiments of the dead prophet were assl~rncd-the brttcr to deceive. (Thus these “lying spirits” nl~.;~,ys scrak to cormtcrfcit the face manner and disposition of the dWd.~ The response was, “Why hast thou disquieted rnp t 0 hr1ng me up?” This answer corresponds to the Jewish bcl~f-tllat ~brn a person died he became unconscious in “shrol,” the ,gravC, waiting for a resnrrertion. (-Job 14:12-15, 21: t-Q. !)0:3: 1+:cc1. 9:5, 6) Hence the representation is that S:~muc~l was brought ‘up from the crave, and not dozvlt fl 0111lIW\W~ ; and that’ his kst or peaceful “sleep” was dis13.3: Job. 14:12: Psa. 90:5: t,urhcd or “diqclnirtcd.‘‘-rs;1. .Tohrl II:ll, 14: S:~II~was rasily dcceivedintotbinking that the Prophet Samuel whc~ had refused to visit him to hare any further converse with him while alive, had been forced to commune with him, h-y the> wonderful powrrs of the witch. (See 1 Sam. 15:26, 35) %ul’s own testimony was. “God is departed from me and an*w(breth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams.“1 Snm. ‘2S.6, 16. .\ny rightly informed person will readily see the absurdity of su:,pr,sl~l~ tllnt Samuel would hold any conference whatever ( 1) Samuel (when living) with ‘Saul I;ndrr the circumstance. n-a. ilwdr~ th:lt God had forsnkcn Saul. and hence Samuel had no right to slml~ to him and no right to give him any in* See “What Say the Scriptures About Hell-” everv twt of Scripture containing the word hell in the light of Scripture and reasbn, together with parables supposed to teach eternal torment. Price. W~rcrr ‘I’(IWER Bxnr~ Sr TRACT SOCIETY, Allegheny.

is cited

a pamphlet in which and examined other Scri tures and 10 cents. rp *or sale by Pa.

formation which the Lord was unwilling to give him. And absurd to Samuel would not do so. (2) It is thoroughly suppose that a spirit-medium under condemnation of the Lord and m-ohibited of the right of residence in the land of Israel co&l have the power ac the instance of a wicked king, whom God had deserted. to “disauiet” Samuel and to brinrc him %p” out of sheol. ’ Was Sahuel down in. the earth, 0; was he afar off in heaven? and had the witch the power in either case to command him to present himself before King Saul to answer his question? Or is it reasonable to suppose that any spirit-mediums have the power to “disquiet” and “bring up” or in any other manner cause the dead to appear to y;wc!; th: ,pecul?tiyF questions of the living? e fannliar spirit of the witch, personating Samuel, foretold nothing which Saul himself did not anticipate. Saul knew that Go& word had been passed that tge kingdom should he taken from him and his family, and he had sought the witch because of his fear of the Philistine hosts in battle array for the morrow. He expected no mercy for himself and his familv. God having told him that David would he his therefore, the statement successor. “’ He even inticipated, which was the only feature- connected with- this story that indicates in anv decree a sunernatural knowledge: viz.. “Tomorrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.” The well-informed demons knew full better than did Saul the strength of the Philistines’ position and army, and the weakness of Saul’s position and army, and that he himself was already panic stricken and making this inquiry of the witch-medium because he was distracted at the situation. Bny one familiar with the warfare of that time would know (1) that one day’s battle would prohablv settle the question ; and (2) that -the death of the l&g an-d his household would be the onlv locical result. Nevertheless. the “familiar spirit” erred, ‘for &o of Saul’s sons escaped and lived for years. It is even denied by scholars that the battle and the death of Saul occurred for several dnvs after the visit to the witch. It is not surprising that Satan and the fallen angels, his consorts in evil, should know considerably more than do men, We must remember that concerning manv of life’s affairs. by naturgthey are a higher, more intelligent order than men; for man was made “a little lower than the ancrels” (Psa. 8 :5) : besides, let us remember their thousands of ve%rs of‘experience, unimpiired by decay and death, as compared witk man’s “few vears and full of trouble.” soon cut off in death. Can we u-onder that mankind cannot cope with the cunning of and that our -only safety lies in-the the “wicked spirits,,’ divine nrovision that each one who so wills mav refuse to have &y communication with these demons? The <Vord of the Lord is. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (Jas. “Be sober. be vigilant: because vour adversarv the 4:7) devil, as a roaring [a;gry] ‘lion, wal(eth about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist, steadfast in the faith.“1 Pet. 5:8, 9. But while able to tell mzst and wresent. these evil intelligences-are quite unable to-do more *than g;ess at the future. Yet these guesses are often so skillfully stated as to satisfy the inquirer and yet appear true, if the result should be the opposite of his expectation. Thus the oracle of Delphi having be& consulted by-Crcesus demonstrated to him a super-human knowledrre of vresent things. and when he, having thus gained confidence in ;t, inquired-through its mediums, -%heth~r he, against the <an army Persians,” the should lead bv Herodotus the historian was answer as recorded “By crossing the Halys, &cam8 will destroy a mighty power!” Relvins unon this. Crcesus attacked the Persians and was defeaied.O l&R- c&n ’ mighty power was destroyed! History is full of such evidences that the demons know not the future; and God’s Word challenges all such, saying,“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your Let them bring strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. them forth and show us what shull happen. Let them show the former things [things before or to come] what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods.“Isa. 41:21, 23. But where was Samuel the prophet, if Saul would be &early’ the meeting place with him the day following? would not be heaven. for wicked Saul was surelv” unfit to enter there (John 3’:5 ) ; nor could the meeting be in a place of flames and torment, for surely Samuel was not in such a nlace. No: the “familiar snirit” snake to Saul from the stan’dpoint of ‘the general fait6 of that time, taught by Samuel and all the patriarchs and prophets,-namely, that
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all who die, good and bad alike, go to sheol, the grave, the state of death, the sleep from which naught can awaken expower of Michael, the arch-angel (Dan. cept the resurrection 12:l. 2) , ;-except ft were claimed that the witch’s “familiar spirik’ could awaken the dead in advance,-but this, as we are showing, was a deception, a fraud, the “lying spirit” personating the dead and answering for Samuel. Of this passage Charles Wesley wrote“What do these solemn words portend? A gleam of hope when life shall end’?-Thou and thv sons shall surelv be Tomorrow in’ repose with me:Not in a state of hellish pain, If Saul with Samuel remain; Not in a state of damned despair, If loviug Jonathan be there.” One remarkable thing in connection with the manifestations of these fallen angels, or “demons,” is that people of ordinary common sense are so easily deceived by them, accept such flimsy proofs respecting the dead, which they The inquirer will would not accept respecting the living. accept through the medium a description which fits to the individual and his manner, clothing and appearance years before, and will hold sacred a message purporting to come from him, whereas the same individual would be more on guard against deception by a living impostor, and his message through a servant. The mention in the Scriptures of these necromancers, witches and mediums, leads us to infer that through mediums they were for centuries seeking fellowship with the Israelites. But it is apparently the custom to change the manner of manifestation from time to time: just as witchcraft flourished for a time in New England and Ohio, and throughout Europe, and then died out and has been succeeded by Spiritism,- whose tipping and rapping manifestations are graduallv giving wav to others. clairaudience and materialisation being “now The c”hief endeavors, the latter, being very difficult and the conditions often unfavorable, are often accompanied by mediumistic assistance and fraud.
OBSESSION AT THE FIRST ADVENT

In the davs of our Lord and the early church the method of operations on the part of these demons had changed somewhat from the nractices in the days of Saul, and we read nothing in the New Testament a.boui witches,. wizards and but a great deal about persons possessed by necromancy, Apparently there were great numbers thus devils-obsession. possessed through-out the land of Israel: many cases are mentioned in which our Lord cast out devils; and the power to cast them out was one of those conferred upon the twelve apostles, and afterward upon the seventy that were sent out. The same power was possessed and exercised by the Apostle Paul.-See Luke Q:l; 1O:ll; Acts 13:8-11; 16:lS. Mary Magdelene, we remember, had been possessed of aeven devils (Luke 8:2), and being set free from their control. she became a verv loval servant of the Lord. Another instance is mentioned in w”hich a legion of spirits had taken nossession of one man. I Luke 8 : 30 : 4 : 35. 36. 41) No wonder ihat- his poor brain, assaulted and-operated ‘upon by a legion of different minds, would be demented. This tendency of these fallen spirits to congregate in one person indicates the desire they have still to exercise the power originally given them; namely, the power to materialize as men. Deprived of this power- they apparently have comparatively rare opportunities of petting possession of human beings. Apparently the hman” willvmkst consent before these e;il spirits have power to take possession. But when they do take possession apparentlv the will vower is so broken down, that the individual is illmost helpless to resist their presence and further encroachment. even tho he so desires. Our Lord intimates such a condition (Matt. 12:43-45). suggesting that, even after an evil spirit had been cast out and-the heart swept and garnished, if it were still empty, there would be danger of the return of the evil spirit with others to re-possess themselves of the man;-hence the necessity for leaving Christ enthroned within. if we would be kent for the Master’s use. and be used in his service. Apparently these evil spirits have not the power to impose themselves. even unon dumb animals. until granted some sort of permission : for,- when the “legion’; was commanded to come out’ of the man whom they possessed, they requested as a nrivileae that thev mieht have nossession of the bodies of a herd o’i swine; and thg swine being according to the law unclean to the Jew, and unlawful to eat, the Lord permitted them to have uossession of them. doubtless foreseeine the results, and with a view to giving us this very lesson. o

The same Apostle who speaks of these evil spirits as “lyimz wonders” and “seducing spirits” (1 Tim. 4~1; 2 Thee. 2:3; compare Ezek. 13 :6 ; 1 -Rings 22:22, 23) tells us that the heathen sacrificed to these demons. (1 Car. 10:20) And so. indeed, we find that in various parts of the world there a& demon manifestations. Amongst the Chinese these demon powers are frequently recognized, and sacrifices are offered t0 them; so also in India and in Africa. Amongst the North American Indians in their savage state these evil spirits operated after much the same manner as elsewhere. An illustration is given bv Missionarv Brainard in a “Report to the Ho-norable~~ociet~ for Propagating Christian Km&edge,” exnlanatorv of the difficulties and obstacles to the SDread of Christianity among the Indians with whom he hid been laboring, as follows:“What further contributes to their aversion to Christianity is the influence which their powcnos (conjurer or dividers) have upon them. These are a sort of persons who are supposed to have a power of foretelling future events, or recover&g the silk, at least often. and of oharmincl. enohantina. “. or voiaoning p’oreon.s to death bv their ma.qic divinations. Their spirit, -in its various operations, seems to be a Satanic imitation of the snirit of vronhecv with which the church in early ages was favored. &Some Gf these diviners are endowed with the spirit in infancy ;-others in adult age. It seems not to denend upon their own will, nor to be acquired bv any endeavors- of the person who is the subject of ii . . . .-They are not under the influence of this snirit alwavs alike.-but it comes upon them at times. Tho$ who are “endowed with it are accounted singularly favored. “I have labored to gain some acquaintance with this affair of their conjuration, and have for that end consulted and queried with the man mentioned in my Diary, May 9, who, since his conversion to Christianity, has endeavored to give me the best intelligence he could of this matter. But it seems to be such a my&n-y of iniquity, that I cannot well understand it. and do not know oftentimes what ideas to affix to the terms he makes use of. So far as I can learn, he himself has not any clear notions of the thing, now his spirit of divination is gone from him. “There were some times when this snirit came unon him in a special manner. Then, he says, he &was all ligit, and not only light himself, but it was light all around 7&n, so that he could see through men. and knew the thouehts of their hearts. These “depths >f Sat& ” I leave to otheis to fathom or to dive into as they please, and do not pretend, for my own part, to know what ideas to affix to such terms. and cannot well guess what conception of things these creatures have at these times when they call themselves a22 light. But my interpreter tells me that he heard one of them tell a certain Indian the secret thoughts of his heart, which he had never divulged. . . . “When -1 have apprehended them afraid of embracin Christianitv. lest thev should be enchanted and Doisoned. f have endeivored to rilieve their minds of this fez&, by asking them, Why their pouxzws did not enchant and poison me, seeing they had as much reason to hate me for preaching to them, and desiring them to become Christians, as thev could have to hate them in case they should actually b& come such? That thev might have an evidence of the Dower and goodness of God e-rigaged for the protection of Chriitians, I ventured to bid a challenge to all their pozoa/las and great VOUXTS to do their worst on me first of all; and thus I labored to tread down their influence.“-2liemoirs of Brainard, pages 348-351. Three months since the New York Sum. published the following account of the experiences of Capt. C. E. Denny, Indian agent for the Canadian Government among the Blackfeet Indians. Capt. Denny says:“On my arrival in the northwest territories with the northwest mounted police, in 1874, I was curious to find out how far these “medicine men” carried their arts, and also what these arts consisted of. I heard from Indians many tales of wonders done by them, but it was a long time before I got a chance to be -present at one of the& ceremonies. The Indians were reluctant to allow a white man to view any of their “medicine” ceremonies. As I got better acquainted with several tribes, particularly the Blackfeet, I had many chances to find out the truth regarding what I had heard of them, and I was truly astonished at what I saw at different times. Many of the medicine feats did not allow of any jugglery, the man being naked, with the exception of a cloth around his loins, and I sitting within a few feet of him. “All Indians believe in their -familiur spirit, which assumed all kinds of ShaDea. sometimes that of an owl. a buffalo, a beaver, a fox, or-any other animal. This spirit it was
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that gave them the power to perform the wonders done by them, and firmly believed in by them all. “On one occasion I was sitting in an Indian tent alone with one of the “medicine” men of the Blackfeet Indians. It was night and all was quiet in the camp. The night was calm, with R bright moon shining. On a sudden the Indian commenced to sing, and presently the lodge, which was a large one, commenced to tremble: and the trembling increased to arch ;I degree that it rocked violently even lifting off the prouncl. first. on one sld(a and then on the other. as if a dozen pair of hands were heavin,rr it on the outside. This lasted for About two minutes, when-1 ran out, expecting to find some Indians 011 the outside who had slaved me a trick, but to mv :tstonihhment, not n soul was in’ s&ht, and what still mark bewildered mc was to find on examination that the lodge was firmly pegged down to the ground, it being impossible for any number of men to have moved and replaced the pegs in so short a time. I did not enter the lodge again that night, as the matter looked, to say the least, uncanny. “On another occasion I visited a lodge where a “medicine smoke” was in progress. There were about a dozen Indians in the lodge. After the smoke was over, a large copper kettle, about two feet, deep, and the same or a little more in diameter, was placed empty on the roaring fire in the middle of the lodge. The medicine man who was xtripped. with tile exception of a cloth around his loins, was all this time singing a “medicine” in a low voice. “The pot after a short while became red-hot, and a pole being passed through the handle, it was lifted in this state off the file and placed on the ground, so close to me that the heat was almost unbearable. On the pole being withdrawn the medicine .mnn sprang to his feet and, still singing his song, stepped with both naked feet in,to the red-hot kettle and danced for at least three minutes in it, still singing t0 the accompaniment of the Indian drums. I was so close, as I have before said, that the heat of the kettle was almost unbearable, and I cldsely watched the performance, and saw this Indian dance for some minutes with his bare feet in it. On stepping out hc seemed none the worse; but how he performed the act was and is still a mystery to me.” Similiar feats are performed by the fetish men of India “under control ;” and tests given by “spirit. mediums” “under control” nometimcs include the handling of fire, red hot glass, injury. God has protected etr., with bnrc hand without his faithful in the flames (Dan. 3:19-27), and it seems that he does not. :~lways hinder Satan’s use of such power. Dr. Ashmore, of long experience as a missionary in

of God, as it shines in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord, should shine unto them. Thanks be to God for the promise that, in due time, the kingdom of God shall be established in the earth, in the hands of our Lord Jesus and his then completed and glorified church, and that one of the first works of that kingdom, preparatory to its blessing “all the families of the earth,“’ will be the binding of that old Serpent, the Devil and Satan, that he may deceive the nations no more for the thousand years of Christ’s reign ; until all men shall be brought to a clear knowledge of the truth, and to a full opportunity to avail themselves of the gracious provisions of the New Covenant, sealed at Calvary with the precious blood of Christ. While the name old serpent includes Satan, “the prince of devils,” it is here evidently used as a synonym for all the sinful agencies and powers which had their rise in him. It therefore includes the legions of “evil spirits,“’ “familiar spirits? ” “seducing spirits.” Spiritism, as a deceiving influence under the control of Satan, is foretold by the Apostle Paul. After telling of the work of Satan in the great Apostacy of which Papacy is the head-center, the Man of Sin, the Mystery of Iniquity,* the Apostle draws his subject to a close by pointing out that Satan, toward the end of this age, will be granted special license to deceive by peculiar arts, all who, having been highly favored with the Word of God, have failed to appreciate and use it. He says,-“For this cause God will send them strong delusion [a working deception], that the may believe a lie: that they may all be condemned, who beFleved not the truth, hut had pleasure in unrighteousness [doctrinal or practical].” -2 Thes. 2:11, 12. We shall not be at all surprised if some later manifestations of the powers of darkness, transformed to appear as the angels of light and progress, shall be much more specious and delusive than anything yet attempted. We do well to remember the Apostle’s words-“We wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with princely powers of darkness, with the spiritual things of the evil one.“-Eph. 6: 12. In 1842, six years before “modema Spiritism” began to operate, Edward Bickersteth, a servant of God and student of his Word, wrote,“Looking at the signs of the times? and the long neglect and unnatural denial of all angelic mmistration or spiritua! influence, and at the express predictions of false Chris&, and false prophets, ujho shall show signs and loonders, insomuch that if it were possible they should deceive the very elect, and that when men receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved, for this cause God shall send them strong Chin:~. Sa*yS,--delusion, that they shall believe a lie; I cannot but think there “1 have no doubt. t,bat the Chinese hold direct communiRECOIL and religious is a painful prospect of a SIIDD~N catioIls \r~th the Npirits OF another world. ThFy never pretend revulsion from the present Ir&eZief and misbelief, to an unnatthat they arc the spiritr( of their departed friends. They get ural and undistinguishing CREDULITY." themselves in :I ccbrtain state and seek to be possessed by Satan is the inspirer and supporter of every anti-Christ and th&sc spwits. I have seen them in certain conditions invite as he led those who had pleasure in error rather than the the Rnirits to cnme and to inhabit them. Their eves become truth .to the organization of the great anti-Christ, Papacy, frenz&tl. tkil fcnturrs distorted. and they pour o;t speeches symbolically the “beast” of Rev. 13, and as he is now operating which :tre suplloaed to be the utterances of the spirits.” to produce a Protestant, “image of the beast” with life, which An old iq;l;c of Youth’s T)uy Spri??g contains a letter from will coiiperate with the chief anti-Christ, so in combination a mitiuinnarr desrribinr the condition of the Africans on the with these will be the powers of darkness, the powers of the C:;lboon 1ivc:; at the n&roach of death. He says,air, the lying and seducing spirts, operating in some manner or in a variety of ways,-Spiritism, Christian Science, Theo“‘I’lt~~ ~O(~IXwa4 lillrtl with women who were weeping in the nncl mllinx on the spirit; of their mnsl pltrnilq manner. sophy, Hypnotism, etc. Rev. Father Coppens, M. D. [Roman Catholic], Professor fnthcsls dild nthcrs who were drxd. and upon all spirits in whot11 thety btblierrd. Olngo. Njembi, Abambo, and Miwii, to in Creighton University, recently delivered a discourse OJI “Borderland of Science,” from which we extract the following save tbc? man from death.” on the phenomena of Spiritism:A \Yc=lcyan missionary: RIr. White, says,-“What must we think of the nature of Spiritism, with its “Thrre iq n class nf people in New Zealand called Eruku, spirit rappings, table-turnings, spirit apparatus and so on? or nriestn: these men metend to have intercourse with deCan the facts, which are not imposture, but realities, be expar id <piriti.” plained by the laws of nature, the powers of material agents No part c,f humanity has hcen exempted from the atand of men ? All that could possibly be done bv the most tacks of these demons, and their influence is always baneful. skilled scientists, by the most determined mateiialists who India is full of it. So acncrallv accepted at one time was the believe neither in Gbd nor in demon, as well as by the most belief in demon-posse&on, th& the -Roman Catholic church, conscientious Christians, has only served to demonstrate to through her priests, regularly practiced “exorcism,,’ or castperfeot evidence that effects are produced which can no more ing out of demons. be attributed to natural agency than speech and design can The verv earliest recorded spirit manifestation was in be attributed to a piece of wood. One nrincide of science 1. Eden, whei Satan, desiring to iempt mother Eve, used or is that every effect must have a proportionate rause. When Mother Eve claimed that she was “obsessed” the serpent. the effect, shows knowledge and design, the cause must be deceived by the serpent’s misrepresentations. God allowed the intelligent. Now many of these marvels evidently show claim as true, and sentenced the serpent, which there became inthe symbolic representative of Satan. As the father of lies he knowledge and design, therefore the cause is certainly telligent. there took possession of a serpent to deceive Eve and lead “A table cannot understand and answer questions; it canher to disbelieve God’s command by the false assurance, “Ye not move at a person’s bidding. A medium cannot speak in shall not surely die. 1” so ever since, tho he has varied his a language he hae never learned, nor know the secret ailment methods and mediums, all of them are to deceive-to blind the minds of mankind, Zest the glorious light of the goodies l See MILLSNNIAL DAWN, VOL. II, chapter 9, pages 267-366. 121741

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of a patient far away, nor prescribe the proper remedies withTherefore these effects when out knowledge of medicine. they really exist, are due to intelligent agents, agents distinct from the persons visibly present, invisible agents therefore, spirits of another world. “Who are these agents? God and his good angels cannot work upon these wretched marvels, the food of a morbid curiosity, nor could they put themselves at the disposal of pious men to be trotted out as monkevs on the stage. The spirits which are made to appear at the seances are degraded spirits. Spiritualists themselves tell us they are lying spirits. Those lying spirits say they are the souls of the departed, but who can believe their testimony, if they are lying spirits as they are acknowledged to be? This whole combination of

imposture and superstition is simply the revival in modern dress of a very ancient deception % mankind by playing on men’s craving for the marvelous. Manv imagine these are recent discoveries, peculiar to this age” of pyogress. This spirit-writing is and has been for centuries extensively praeticed in benighted pagan China, while even Africans and Hindoos are great adepts at table turning. It is simply the revival of ancient withcraft, which Simon Magus practiced in St. Peter’s time; which flourished in Enhesus while St. Paul It i’s more ancient still. was preaching the gospel there. These were the abominations for which God commissioned the Jews in Moses’ time to exterminate the Canaanites and the other inhabitants of the promised land.”
(TO BE CONTINUED.)

THE GOSPEL SENT TO EUROPE
JULY 4.-Acrs 16:6-l& 119 : 130. “The entrance of thy words giveth light.“-Psa. fact that in one of his subsequent epistles he mentions BarAfter the conference at Jerusalem respecting the obliganabas most kindly; and a little farther on we find Mark one tions of the Law upon Christians, we noticed that Jude &d of Paul’s associates in the work. Presumably he had learned Silas returned with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. to deliver After remaining with the Antioch the lesson which the Apostle thought he needed to learn. the decision of the Council. However, as a result of their candid differences of view, as church for several months the Apostle Paur proposed to BarDr. Stalker puts it, Paul had to part “from the man to nabas that thev revisit the churches of Asia Minor. which whom he owed more than to any other human being; and they had established during the first preaching tour. The Barnabas was separted from the grandest spirit of the age.” Apostle was thoughtful of the interests of the general work, “They never met again.” and remembered the necessity of watering as well as sowing Paul chose Silas, whose full name was Silvanus, one of the truth. Experience is convincing that this thought is corthe brethren sent from Jerusalem after the conference. to be rect, and that it is just as true today as then that’beginners his companion and helper; and they started northward in the Christian wav need the careful oversight of those who from are more advanced,” that they may become Footed, grounded, Antioch. then turned westward to Derbe. then to Lvstra. where the company was joined by young Timothy. Alth& Timothy’s established and built up in the truth. The necessitv for doing somethina to center and develon mother was a Jewess, his father being a Greek he had never been circumcised. the interest of “beginners & very ge;erally recognized todai, Paul, foreseeing that he would be a valuable assistant in the work, recommended that. according hut with many the thought seems to be that the beginner needs to the Jewish custom, Timothy be circumcised,’ and thui to get into the current of what is termed “Christian work,” become in the fullest sense a Jew accordina to the custom dibut what in reality is very largely animal excitement. We vinely enjoined upon that nation. may be very certain that the Apostle’s thought was not with Paul has been sharply criticised for his course in this reference to getting up some little excitement and entertainmatter by some who consider that his action here directly ment for the “babes” in Christ, such as strawberry festicontradicted his testimony to the Galatians-“If ye be cirvals, apron sociables, gossip societies and other entertaincumcised Christ shall profit you nothing.” (Gal. 5 :2: 6) But ments to attract the world, at ten cents a head, for the these critics fail to notice an important feature; namely, (1) Lord’s cause. These were not the considerations which moved that circumcision was established before the Mosaic Law the Apostle to suggest the new tour. He had a more important was given at Sinai; (2) that it was a national mark, and work than this; he thought of the newlv interested believers. that any *Jew who was mat circumcised, forfeited by that the opposition with which they would have to contend among neglect his rights in the Abrahamic piomisc. (3) The Galatian their former friends. the false arguments and sonhistries which would be raised by the adversavry to combat the truth; the Christians, who were told that they must not be circumcised, inexperience and perplexities of the Lord’s flock, and he were not Jews, and had nothing to do with Israel’s national would indicate needed to go amongst them to encourage, strengthen and es- sign; and for them to perform circumcision tablish them in the truth and make of them strong soldiers that they were seeking for divine favor by becoming Jews and coming under the Jewish laws and regulations, and that they of the cross. Barnabas readily assented to the proposed tour, but before were not trusting fully to Christ. (Gal. 2:14-16) (4) A *Jew on the contrary, while trusting in Christ, could properly they had proceeded far in the arrangement, a difference of opinion arose between the two which, however, has been very enough conform to the national usage of circumcision establishcd hefore the Law. *greatly exaggerated, we think, by many Commentators. We Having passed from the province of Calatia in which were hold that they did not have a “quarrel, bitter and angry;” that they did not “part in anger;” that it is not true that located the cities of Antioch, Lvstra and Derbe. the Anostle evidently here intended going into the province’ called ‘Asia, “neither would yield to the other, and therefore both were a part of what is known as Asia Minor. but the holv Snirit wrong.” Quite to the contrary, we think that each had a right hindered them and forbade that course. ‘How this instru&i~n to act according to his own judgment of the Lord’s will in the matter under discussion;. and that a sharp discussion, of the spirit was communicated we are not informed; and no in which each would be positive, should not with Christians matter, since we have confidence that the Apostle was not signify any bitterness or acrimonious feeling. following mere impressions, but made sure that he was under The point of the discussion was, whether or not John the divine guidance. They next thought to go into the province of Bithynia, but again they were hindered, and so passed Mark (cousin of Barnabas and writer of the Gospel of Mark) should go with them on this journey. We saw in our lesson by Mysia; that is, they passed through the province of Asia without preaching therein, and came to the seaport of Troas, of May 2 that Mark forsook the service of the ministering brethren (Paul and Barnabas) in their first tour, and Paul thinking there to take shipping, but apparently uncertain as cvidentlv thought that UD to this time Mark had not oronerlv to which direction the Lord would have them go. recognized his- miscond&t on that occasion, and hence was Here the Lord’s leading was very distinct: in a dream the Apostle Paul saw a man of Macedonia beckoning to him and determined that the assistant on this occasion should be some saying, “Come over and help us.” one upon whom they could place greater dependence. BarThis settled the Aoostle respecting the course he should take. nabas, on the contrary, stood up for Mark, and as a result The Lord was le’ading him, but evidcntlv chose to delav the full and clear informathey determined that ‘it would be best to make two parties tion respecting his route, that the Apostle (and -the church instead of one. The evidence seems to be that Barnabas was in general through this account) might realize the more fully rather the loser by not acquiescing with the Apostle Paul’s how directly God was leading and providentially guiding in view of the matter; for altho Barnabas and Mark started on the presentation of his truth. The Apostle and his company a preaching tour, its importance and success were comparaprepared to go to Macedonia in obedience to the tively much less than attended the ministries of Paul: so immediately Lord’s indication. much so that no particular report of it is given, and BamaThus the Lord specially directed the word of his grace bas thereafter is almost lost from sight. That Paul’s conduct was not the result of any unkind to Europe. Instead of sending it northward and eastward feeling toward either Barnabas or Mark is evident from the through Asia-to the millions in Asiatic Russia and India and [21761

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China, and instead of sending it southward to the other millions in Egypt and all Africa, the Lord specially guided his truth norwestward into Europe. Who cannot see that a great question was in the balances, and was here divinely decided? Let it be remembered, too, that, in sending the gospel into Europe, the Lord chose first of all the most enlightened Macedonia lies just north of Greece, and parts of Europe. their peoples were practically one: their intelligence and civilization were practically on a par. Only a short time before, Greece, under Alexander the Great, had conquered the world, and Greek civilization and the Greek language and Greek philosophies had thus been spread among all civilized people. And altho subsequently the Caesars of Rome had conquered Greece, they had not destroyed the influence of the Greek literature and philosophy, which still dominated at the time of our lesSOll. In scndmg the gospel into Macedonia, therefore, the Lord was sending it to the people most advanced in civilization and the arts. After starting the work in Macedonia and in Greece, the good tidings were later sent to Rome, and from these, then%he centers of civilization, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ has snread northward throueh Europe and westward through America, and has been the Kstrumeh-

tality for producing the highest types of civilization that the world has ever known; and this in proportion as the Word of God has been free, and has been received into honest hearts. In Macedonia, by the spirit’s leading, they went first to one of the principal cities, Philippi, and there on the Jewish Sabbath thev found bv the river side a craver meetine. The women who “were atteiding it were prob:bly” all Jewes& and the Apostle concluded that those who were seeking the Lord in worship and prayer would be in the best condition of heart to be approached with the gospel: a judgment which experience since in every land, endorses as correct. Paul’s discourse concerning the hopes of Israel and the fulfilment of these in Jesus the Messiah, and the story of his crucifixion for our sins, found a lodgment in the hearts of some who heard it. This was the start of the church at that city, to which later Paul wrote-the Epistle to the Philippians. The brief reference to Lydia, one of the believers, is worthy of notice. Her heart being touched with the message of the gospel, she esteemed it a privilege to serve and entertain those whom the Lord had been pleased to honor as servants in carrying to her his message. We have here a good lesson of thankful appreciation and hospitality.

IMPROVED
The National Educational Association has given its formal approval to the reformed spelling of the following words as
VOL.

As the hour draws near, indicated by the *prophetic h;;n& Delegates representing Jewish societies in all parts of of the great clock of the ages, when “Gent1 e Times” the world have already been chosen, to meet August 25th end and God’s kingdom shall take control of earth’s affairs, in the city of Munich, Germany, to consider the most practical steps to be taken for the attainment of the aims of with the natural seed of Abraham as its earthly representaZionism. tives, in the Land promised to Abraham (Acts 7 :5), every The following prominent Jews are in charge of the convention,-Dr. T. Herzl, Max Nordau, C. Montefiore, intelligent student of prophecy naturally watches the events Dr. DeHaas. bearing upon the promised land and the covenant people. How remarkable that such a movement should take place It is just about a year since Dr. T. Herzl, a learned Hebrew at the present time! of Vienna, published his book advocating the foundation of When in 1878 we pointed out that according to prophecy the set time for the return of divine the old homestead, as the a “Jewish State,” in Palestine, favor to Israel was then due to begin and that the beginning only practical solution of the “Jewish question.” His views, was in the putting of Egypt and Palestine measurably under have been taken up by leading now known as “Zionism,” British protection by the Berlin Conference, the idea was Jews and Jewish journals the world over, and while some scouted by many. When we declared that the return of opposition has been aroused it is wonderful how general is Israelites to Palestine was the next step, the Jews themselves the Jewish sentiment in favor of the project. scoffed, declaring that to be an absurdity: that the Jew in Rabbi Stephen Wise, of New York, says of the moveGermany was a German, in England an Englishman and in ment :the United States an American, and so elsewhere the world “The Zionists here and everywhere, however, are thinkover. Ours it is to plan and toil, ina of the homeless in Israel. When the Russian persecution drove thousands to seek no”t for ourselves alone, but even for those whose existence other homes, Palestine was spurned as a barren land. Baron is threatened bv the DaSSiOnS and nreiudices of the different Hirsch, the German millionaire, started with lavish expendilots are’ c&t. Have we not witpeoples among Ywhom’their ture a new land of promise in Argentina, South America; of ‘scientific’ anti-Semitism nessed the oft. ,repented triumphs and wealthy American Hebrews helped their brethren by Few are the nations which are wholly at the German polls? thousands to the United States. But some of the poorest friendly to the children of the stock from which sprang Jesus Russian Jews looked longingly to Palestine and went thither of Nazareth. -to find the land dry and barren enough. However, for these “Enlightened and God-fearing Christendom will marvel God raised up friends in Sir Moses Mont&lore and Baron at the ipectacle of a comparat?vely small band of heroes Rothschild who, seeing their destitution, pitied them and venturing upon a task of appalling magnitude. Were all started Industrial Schools and Experimental Gardens for Christendom truly Christians, there were little or no need of their instruction. hosnitals for the sick. etc. this movement. But Zion must be rebuilt! because the law Then came the d&ree of the Sultan that no more Jews that went forth therefrom hath not prevailed among all of be permitted to settle in Palestine; and shortly the Russian its professors. In the meanwhile I doubt not that the Amerpersecution abated, and a few years of quiet followed in ican people will, with characteristic admiration for personal which affairs have been developing and the Jews have learned and national heroism, applaud and God-speed the hardy and certain lessons. (11 The Argentine colony, backed by millions hopeful upbuilders of a new Zion.” and under seemingly most favorable conditions, has not been Dr. Moses Gaster of London, Chief Rabbi of the a success but a great failure, financially and every way. The “Sephardim” Jews of all Southern Europe, said recently, Jews colonized there are dissatisfied. (2 ) The Jews brou$F respecting Dr. Herzl’s Zionist proposition:to the United States have succeeded only fairly well. “I feel a very keen interest in the scheme, dating back The Jews who went to “barren” Palestine have prospered from the time when I was living in Roumania, and was instruphenomenally. As if by magic the land became more fruitful mental in founding the first Jewish colony in Palestine. I and happy, and gives evidence of a permanent revival. As have always cherished the conviction that the future of the a result the eyes of all Israel are turned Zionward, and Jewish race lies there, and nowhere else. I regard Dr. Herzl’s their watchword is Zion ! Zion! Verily, 0 Lord-“Thy scheme not as a politico-economical idea, but rather as a people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” Surely, religious one. It is impossible to divorce such a plan from in this we have another distinct evidence that we are in “the the religious ideals which underlie it. On the practical deDay of Jehovah.“-See MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. I., Chap. 15. tails he has developed I refrain from pronouncing an opinion, Seeing this trend of events with Israel, we look in another because it is impossible to say what form the movement will direction to see in what way the Lord will open the gates assume when once the masses are stirred with enthusiasm. to permit their return. And as we can now see a providence I presided some months ago at a mass meeting of fifteen and blessing in the retarding of their emigration for a time, hundred East End London Jewu, and nothing could have exuntil the divine favor upon the land should center upon it It is the ceeded the enthusiasm at Dr. Her& appearance. the interest of all Jews, we shall expect ere Zong to see the masses that decide such questions.” C21761

JULY 1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(192 -193)

doors opened wide, and that many not only of the poor, but also of the rich of Israel will seek Palestine as a home. We do not expect, however, as the Zionists do, that they will succeed speedily in organizing an independent Jewish state. This cannot be until the full end of Gentile timesm the end of A. D. 1914. See MILLENNUL DAWN, VOL. II., Chap. 4. Turkey still rules over Palestine, and her success in the war witb Greece has emboldened her to feel a greater independence than she has felt for nearly a century. She is concentrating troops in Europe from her Asiatic provinces, and the great powers fear a war, while all are striving for peace. The Grand Vizier of the Empire, the Sultan’s Prime Minister, has recently expressed himself as follows, as reuorted bv the London Btandard:I “My great age, and the confidence shown in me by appointing me the Grand Vizier of so glorious a Caliph, emboldens me to submit to your Majesty my views on the question of the day. The successes of our soldiers over their enemies have so revived the ardor of the nation that an important portion of it, which was previously alienated from you, has now been won back. The whole of Islam is, therefore. one soul and one bodv. and stands around your throne in sn invincible phalanx. ” ‘Sire, look upon the- Powers of Europe as enemies, who are plotting the destruction of Turkey. If, in the present circumstances, we yield to European pressure, not only shall we have done nothing to ensure our existence, but we shall alienate our Mussulmans. Therefore I implore vour Maiestv, for the sake of your victorious ancestors, If you seize “this opportunity. you are to retain” Thkssaly. destined to revive the ancient nrowess of the great Sultans of the past. During your glorious reign there hive been several questions which Europe laid stress upon, and on which YOU refused to be dictated to, such as the Armenian question and others. What was the result? You gained the victory. Let these examples guide you in the matter of Thessaly, but if my views are unpalatable to your Majesty, I beg you to accept my resignation.” Various jealousies and differences of interest hinder the great powers of Europe from uniting determinedly on any Austria would take the side of policy respecting Turkey. Turkey rather than permit Russia to gain too much by absorbing it. Russia would take sides with Turkey rather than let Austria absorb it, etc., etc. There are not lacking other sources of European complication which some consider much more dangerous to peare. For instance, the German Emperor is credited with desiring to form a European combination against Great Britain, to hinder further extension of her empire, if not to reduce it. English journals have for some months been urging for a larger and more efficient British army, to repel feared foes. The balance of power is held bv France, and British statesmen are alarmed at the growing-intimacy between France and Germanv. It is even claimed bv some writers that the volatile” French admire in EmpeGor William II. the very qualities of show and bombast and autocracy which Englishmen and Americans consider to be his weaknesses. The London &mulator says:“The German- Emperor is credited with a project for uniting the whole Continent in a war with England, which -says one scribe supposed to be inspired-‘could afford to each power engaged a magnificent compensation.’ The league is II. is almost as to be for plunder. . . . . Emperor William formidable an enemy as Napoleon, and we do not feel sure that he will not ultimately succeed in organizing a coiilition of some kind the motto of which will be Dehuia est Carth4kgo. . . . . We shall not have a long warning if a crisis comes.” Another influential journal says :“The Emneror of Germany will have to be reckoned with whether in Africa or Europe,and in the stirring developments that are nendinn it is not to St. Petersburg, Paris, or . London that one must look for a clew, but to Beilin. An Amsterdam journal, Hmdelsblutt, voices the sentiments It says:of many of the intelligent of America. “It seems to us that a collition against England is in formation not unlike that created by Napoleon 17, and that Eneland assists in the work bv estranging her friends [by her” colonial and financial policies] and-ler&ing her army- ih We hope we are mistaken. Nothing its present condition. more horrible could be imagined than a victory of the autoFor, after crats over free England and her noble people. all, that people remains one of the wonders of the world, be its government ever so blind.” But Great Britain has able statesmen who doubtless will guard her interests and conciliate France and Russia. How-

ever, we see varions national complications possible, any one of which would be tolerably certain to affect the future of Palestine and open its gates to the natural seed of Abraham, -preparatory to its becoming the Capital of the world. But whether it comes peaceably or by war, we expect Palestine to be open to Israel in less than five years. Nor do we expect that any war that might occur (for we do not anticipate a great war) would be the predicted great turmoil that will wreck the present social order.
THE DIAMOND JUBILEE

The whole world has echoed and r&choed joyous congratulations to England’s Queen, jubilating the sixtieth year of her reign. Literarv men have striven with each other to see how much could “he said in praise of the lady and of her reign. The period of reign has even been styled “The Victorian Age” -after the olden stvle: as for instance “The Augustan Age” was a term applied to’ the reign of Augustus Caesar. We have great respect for the royal lady and great appreciation of the blessings of the past sixty years; but we are far from supposing that the latter were dependent upon the former. In the davs of the Csesars one man could do much to impress his imperial character for good or for bad upon the art, the literature, the finances, the morals and everything pertaining to his reign. Hence there was a propriety in associating the ruler and the epoch as in the term,“Augustan Age.” But this is not true today-especially not in Victoria. Indeed, the lady and the nation are to be congratulated that she did not attempt to stamp her personality and will upon the affairs of the great nation of which she is the nom&al head and ruler, as’ William II. is evidently attempting to stamp his personality upon Germany. Great credit is due Queen Victoria for not attempting to rmle the British Empire in any particular. Contenting he&elf with beinn a &me-head of rovaltv. she has done the verv best thing’for these times, in le&ini ‘the r&e-the governme& wholly in the hands of Parliament, the representatives of the people ;-so far as we recall not even once exercising royal prerogatives, of veto, etc. Anv king on the same throne, who Gould have. stamped 1~) pe&ona&y upon his epoch; would have been desuised bv his subiects as lacking character: but sex-chivalry peimits t”hat in the Queen non-%iterventiou in the government and non-personality-of reign shall be esteemed graces. Had a man been on the throne. all of his subjects-would have insisted that he have some policy of his own, and among people like the English and Americans, as soon as it would be declared it would arouse those of different views as enemies and opponents. This would have led long ago either to imnerialism and less libertv as in Germanv. or else to a republican form of governm*ent, as in Fran64 and the United States. No: the blessings of the past sixty years are not to be credited to kings and queens, nor to republics, but to God. As already pointed out in MILLENNIAL DAWN, the great prophetic period termed “The Day of His Preparation,” began in 1799 and will end with 1914: and it is the advancement of this ‘(day” and the light which God provides, necessary for its work. that has brought the wonders of the present, and is rapid1 now bringing-on the conditions for the great time of troub 9e, for the overthrow of present imperfect conditions and the establishment of the kingdom of God’s dear Son.
THE WEST POINT CHURCH

The permit to proceed with the construction of the Roman Catholic church on Government property contiguous to the West Point Military School has been-cancelled. -The question of the authoritv of the Secretarv of War, under the Con(a stitution was deferred to Attokep General McKenna Roman Catholic) who, much to the disappointment of Roman Catholics. decided that the Secretarv of War has no right to permit the erection of any building for sectarian purposes, The Constitution certainly guards carefully at West Point. against union of church and state. Many great Americans seem to have foreseen danger along President Grant said,-“Keep church and state this line. forever senarate.” President Jackson said,-“It is wicked and tyran&cal to compel any man to support a religion in President Garfleld said,-“The which he does not believe.” divorce between church and state should be absolute.” Benjamin Franklin said,-“A religion that depends on the state for support is, for that reason, a bad religion.” Nevertheless, we believe a practical union, or at least a cogperation, is approaching, the result of which will be injurious to religious sentiments not prominent, popular and influential.

[81773

(194-195) CHURCH UNION

ZION’S
PROQRESSINQ

WATCH

TOWER
NON CONFORMISTS HONORER

ALLEGHENY, PA

The English church, having been rebuffed by the pope, We is making progress with the Greek church of Russia. noted the attendance of the Bishop of London at the Czar’s coronation in full medireval regalia of gaudy robes, cap, mitre, pastoral staff, episcopal ring, etc., and later the visrt of the Archbishop of York to Russia, presumably in the interest of union between the Greek and English churches. Now we notice that the Greek church has sent the Archbishop of Finland to attend, as its re resentative, the ceremonies of the Queen’s Jubilee, and in a %drtion to attend the Lambeth Conference, which meets shortly in the interest of Union.

As an olive-twig to the “Nonconformists,” as Protestants in general are designated in Great Britain, Rev. Dr. Barret was invited to and did “read the Scripture lesson” at the Jubilee Service. This, however, as some churchmen point out, doss not sigtify a recognition of nonconformist ministers as being duly ordained; for any- “lairnan” might be called upon for that service under Eng rsh c urch rules. Alas! how little the real ordination, the real ministry, the real union, and the real church are understood;-how sadly and blindly all these questions are confused by the “Babylonians.”

WHAT

SAY

THE

SCRIPTURES

ABOUT

SPIRITISM?

MODERN SPIRITISM AND ITS Many of God’s people have been saved from being ensnared into this great evil, bv what we might term their oum The claim of spiritists is that Spiritism is the new gospel epiritua2 se&e, by which. they discerned ‘that there was somewhich is shortly to revolutionize the world-socially, rething in connection with Sniritism auite at variance with the But, as we have just seen, Spiritism, ligiously, politically. spirrt of our Lord and the~sentimen~s of his Word. We may under various garbs, has long held possession of the world and of the Lord’e safely conclude, however, on the strength borne bad fruit in every clime. It is nearly fifty years since promise. that none of the fullv consecrated-the “elect” are the rapping and tipping manifestations first occurred, in Rochsuffered. to be fully ensnared.LMatt. 24:24. ester, N. Y. (1848), and gave start to what is at present The strongly marked tendency of S iritism toward freeknown in the United States as “Spiritualism.” It began with loveism served to bring it into general g.rsrepute amongst the strange noises in a “haunted house” and first answered a little pure minded, who concluded that, if the influence of the dead girl who addressed the unseen author of the noises as “Old was properly represented in some living advocates of SpirSplithoof.” It had a rapid run of popularity, and judges, itism,-then the social conditions bevond the vale of death doctors. lawvers and ministers and hundreds of thousands of must be much worse, much more imp&e, than they are in the others speed”ily became its votaries, until its friends and its present life, instead of much better, as these demon spirits enemies claimed that its adherents numbered over ten millions. claim. Believing in the consciousness of the dead. ignorant of the We could make voluminous quotations from Spiritist Scriptur; teachings on the snbject of death-and of their prowritings, proving that it totally denies the Bible, and that it hibition from holding communion with “mediums:” and verv generally disbelievini in evil spirits, it is not surprising tha% is in direct opposition to its teachings; that it has denied the very existence of God, teaching instead merely a goo& p&nintelligent men and women, having proved to their own satisciple, and that every man is a god. It denies the atonement faction that supernatural powers were in their midst, as maniand the Lordship of Christ, while it claims that he was a fested by the rappings, tippings, slate-writings, answers to spirit medium of low degree; and furthermore, abundant testiquestions through mediums, clairvoyances, etc., should believe mony could be quoted from prominent spiritists proving that these invisible powers, which desire to converse with them, to the tendencies of Spiritism are extremely demoralizing. We be what they profess,-their deceased friends, Even allowing will content ourselves with one. that there are certain tricks of legerdemain, and certain frauds Here is the testimony of J. F. Whitne along similar lines, we cannot wonder that intelligent people editor of the Pathfinder (N. Y.) . Having been a warm an il evidently an honest would believe their own senses in respect to instances whmh defender and advocate of Spiritism for a long time and well they had personally investigated. acquainted with its devotees, his is a testimony hard to As a result, for a time many of God’s people were in great impeach. He says:danger, because of their failure to take heed to the sure Word “Now, after a long and constant watchfulness, seeing for of God’s testimony (the Bible) on this subject. Indeed, the months and years its progress and its practical workings u on personating spirits seem at first to have been very careful in its devotees, its believers, and its mediums, we are compe P all their references to the Bible. sometimes advising the reled to speak our honest conviction, which is, that the manifestaligious ones who attended seances to do more read&g of the tions coming through the acknowledged mediums, who are Bible, more praying, etc. But this was only to allay their designated as rapping, tipping, writing and trance mediums, suspicions and fears and to get them more fully under their have a balzeful im@ence upon believers. and create discord and influence. Gradually the teachings became more and more lax, confusion; that the generaiity of these teachings inculcate false and the student was given to understand that the Bible was ideas, approve of selfish individual acts, and endorse theories better than nothing To the uninitiated world, but to those and principles which, when carried out, debase and make man who had come to have intercourse with the spirits direct, the little better than the brute. These are among the fruits of Bible was useless,-and worse, a hindrance. modern Spiritualism. . . . Well has an able writer upon the subject said of “Seeing, as we have, the gradual progress it makes with its Spiritism,believers, particularly its mediums, from lives of moratitlr to “‘A system which commences with light, innocent, trifling those of u-&suu.tity and immorality, gradually and cautiously and frivolous performances and commtiications, but which undermining the foundation of good princinles. we look back ends in leading its followers to denv “the Lord that bought with amazement to the radical-change which ‘a few months them,” and to” reject the Word of God which liveth hd will ‘bring about in individuals; for its tendency is to approve abideth forever, gives evidence that there may be a deep purand endorse each individual act and character, however good pose under all its fantastic tricks; and that the craft of the or bad these acts may be.” old serpent, who is a liar from the beginning, may underlie He concludes by saying-‘We desire to send forth our those trifling and unimportant communications which, by warning voice, and if our humble position, as the head of a stimulating curiositv and inspiring confidence, lull to slumber public journal, our known [former] advocacv of Spiritualism. the suspicions of hobest but undiscerning souls, until they are our experience, and the conspicuous part we have played among in the fatal coils of the enemv of all riehteousness.” its believers, the honestv and fearlessness with which we have These demons who person&e the de&, seeing that a new defended the subject, will weigh anything in our favor, we dispensation is opening, were prompt to apply their knowledge desire that our opinions may be received, and those who are as -far as possible &-the advancement of -their own cau&, moving passively down the rushing rapids to destruction, and freelv declared a new dispensation at hand. and Spiritism should pause, ere it be too late, and save themselves from the the guid:ng angel which was-to lead mankind -safely ;nto it; blasting influence which those manifestations are causing.” and they have not hesitated to declare that the new dispensaSo bold and outspokenly immoral did some of the promition means the utter wreck of the present social order, and the nent representatives of Spiritism become, especially the female In some inestablishment of Spiritism as the new order. mediums (and most of its mediums are females) that the stances, where they thought it would serve their purpose, they moral sense of civilization was shocked: and for a time have not hesitated to declare the second coming of Christ, demonism under the name of “Spiritualism” languished, Now and on one occasion at least it was distinctly-stated that that its past is measurably forgotten or denied, it is reviving, Christ had come a second time: and it was intimated that but along somewhat different lines. The new method seems they were ready if any one chose to grant communication with to be to have less tipping and rapping and fewer special Christ through the medium. [ 21783

PROOFS TEAT TENDENCIRS

IT IS DEMONISM-Continued

JULY 1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWZI?

(196-197)

should submit himself to these influences as a “medium,” or mediums, or rather to make of each believer a medium, by the Indeed, almost all who become even become an “investigator” of that concerning which God’s use of mechanical appliances. Word has given us so explicit warnings-that it is a way that investigators are assured that they would make excellent mediums : this flattery is no doubt intended to lure them on; leads from God and righteousness to sin, and ruin, mental, moral and physical. the ability to do “wonders” having a great fascination, espeNor is the cially for people of naturally mediocre talents. One of the simple modern devices for awakening interest statement untrue: none but idiots are so stupid or so ignorant and leading olt to fuller “mediumship,” “possession” and “conthat they cannot be used as mediums; and they may become trol,” is described in a letter just received, dated March 11, powerful. aediums in proportion as- they yieid tliemselves ‘97, from a Christian lady, a school teacher in Georgia, and a obedientlv to the “control” of these “seducing spirits” and their deeply interested student of God’s plan of the ages. The “doctrines of devils (See 1 Tim. 4: 1) and a;e “led captive” by writer says:Satan at his will.-2 Tim. 2:20. “I have been having a rather strange and perhaps unwise The term “seducing spirits” exactly fits the case. From experience lately. My husband’s brother is a spiritualist. amusement of curiositv and answering of auestions. sometakes the Progressive ( 9) Thinker and is thoroughly imbued times quite truthfully, “they proceed to-gain tlhe confidence of with its teachings, and, when I visit there, he reads articles their victims, and in a plausible manner to break down the from it and asks my opinion concerning them; especially those will power and make slaves of them. Then they tyrannize in from nersonn claiminrr to have received messages from ‘dea most diabolical manner, leading into excesses of various parted‘ friends’ through the aid of the mediums. -Now I never Should conscience rebel or an attempt be made to get kinds. have thought it ‘all humbug’ as many do, though there is free from this slaverv. all reserve is cast aside and the victim much fraud connected with it-for it seems to me that the is taunted with his &ll, persuaded that there is no ho e for Bible plainly teaches that spirits have had, and will have, him. and that his onlv future nleasure must be in diabo Fmmthe power to communicate with men. I have told him that I Scriptures being skillfully quoted and cited to apparently believed thoRe communications came from fallen aneels who prove this. personated the dead for the purpose of deceiving men into believing Satan’s old lie, “Thou shalt not surely die.” But as A case of this kind came under the writer’s observation in 1895. A gentleman who had occasionally attended on preachmy brother-in-law does not accept the Bible as the Word of ina asked that an interview be granted his sister whom he God, my opinion had little weight with him. His wife (who She was, he is a Arm believer in DAWN) is much troubled over his belief; would bring from Cleveland for-the purpose. said. laboring under the delusion that she had committed the and both have found their difference of opinion anything but pleasant thourrh his wife avoids the subiect as murh as posunpardonablg sin, and he hoped we could disabuse her mind of sible with fidelity to the truth. Some time ape he bought a the thought which sometimes made her “wild.” We consented, and she came. She conversed rationally enough but assured us Psycogmph, an instrument used by mediums for communing with spirits, but he could not use ‘it. that her case was hopeless. We explained the Scriptures relating to the “sin u&o death” and endeavored to -show her ‘A few days ago it was placed in my hands, and, as I that she had never had sufficient light to come under its conrTbis found T was a medium. I resolved to ‘try the spirits’ ditions, but we could make no hezdway. She declared that is a miaapnlication of Scripture, as shown later.-EDITOR.] she had been in a salvable condition once, but was so no About the first thing it said to me was that there is a valuable longer. gold mine on our place: that did not surprise me, as we had bpn told thst a ‘vein’ had been traced across the place. Tt She told us how she had met in California a man who had a familiar spirit and occult powers: at first disbelieving, she described the exact location to dig for it: said it is only 7% So that will not be difllcult to prove. feet below the surface. afterward b&ame his co-wdrker in “mysteries” rese&bling Then it gave me some Scripture messages, Col. 1:4, 5 and witchcraft, and had finallv inveieled and iniured a dear female 2:4. I asked what was meant hv ‘cnticinz words’ and was friend. Since then remo&e had”seized her: and she had been tortured and at times frenzied and hope had forever fled., answered, Bellamv, Christian Science, Spjritualism, InterPolism etc. I asked who was talking, and was told Epaphras. Before she left us she seemed comforted a little by what we That did not seem to nlease mv brother-in-law very much. and told her of divine compassion and the abundant provision made in thv great ~(LRSO~. for all, given at Calvary. But we have he ssid he would like’ to hear’ from some one we had known in the flesh. so I asked if such an one were present, and was heard since that she lost hope again and has been placed in told. ‘Yes Eastman’ (a stranrer to mr, hut mv brotAl,cr-inan ayslum to hinder her from taking her own life. She could to throw herself Isw nnd his wife. who alone weie present, were both acquainted not be trusted alone: she would attempt with him). When asked what he wished to say he citt’d us to headlong from a window, or while quietly walking the street Titus 3:s. said MTLTRNNTAI, DAWN doctrine in true, and that would attempt to throw herself Gder . passing ‘-vehicles ;his weslth had hindered him from gaining the prize of the reminding us of the case mentioned in Mark 9 :22. We have hieh callinp. I. said Eastman. was not thought a very good regretted: since, that instead of merely reasoning with the Christian, thouch a member oi the church. -. - poor woman we did not, also, in the name of the Lord, ezorcise the evil spirit which evidently possessed her; or, failing “The next day I tried the wheel or Ps?/choomph aeain. to cast it out, at least have instructed and helped her to and was told that a dear good friend of mine who had lived exercise her will Dower to resist the demon. in speaking distance of me for several years was tnlkine to me. She asked me to write to her husband and tell him, that There are goob spirits, as the Scriptures freely declare; she said, a certain boy (giving name) was having a bad and these holv angels are charged with the care of all who These, however, do not influence over their boy. She told me that my husband (who are fully consecraxed to the L&d. is in Florida) was hurt and was very lame, and I got a letter operate in darkness, nor through “mediums,” and have better from him day before yesterday confirming it. She said she employment than tipping tables, rappine out answers to repretted that she had not given DAWN the attention that I fooiisi questions and &keytaining hum&tyr “Are they not all had wished her to, that she had life on the angelic plane; ministering spirits. sent forth to minister for them who shall she alqo told me of the ‘mine.’ be heirs lf salvation?” (Heb. 1: 14) There is no warrant, T :I\ke(l did she l~now the one claiminp: to be Eastman, and she said yes, that it was a however, for seeking or expecting communications from these deceiving spirit personating him, and that I would best not holv guardian aneels: God’s will beinn that his “elect” shall make uqe of the means throueh which I could receive such waik %y faith andv not by unusual maGfestations or sights or communications. One claiming to he Cephas cited me to the sounds. To this end he has prepared his Word as a storefirst chapter of Daniel. Another, claiming to be my father, house of knowledge from which his faithful shall be supplied said the sxmr. All saitl the same about the qold ‘mine,’ with “meat in due season;” and he declares it to be sufifurnished unto and all professed to believe in Christ and that DAN is a cient that the man of God ma be thoroughly correct exponent of God’s Word, and told me that I was every good work-2 Tim. 3:l P. failinl to In-kc the beqt use of one of mv ‘gifts’-tcaachinu; Furthermore, it mav be set-own as a sure sien of evil that I should teach publicly as well as individuals, but was (either germinating or “developed), for any one to &tempt to cautioned with 1 Cor. 3:7 and Enh. 4 ~2. get control of the will and mind of another-as in mesmerism, spirit-mediumship, hypnotism and the like. The Lord respects “During the little time I experimented with the instrument I was told manv things la few of which were not true) our individuality and appeals to it, and urges our self-control in harmony with the principles of righteousness laid down in that would take too” mu&oi-~your time to tell you; and his Word. But Spiritism asks an abandonment of self-control several of the spirits claimed that they would heal the sick in favor of spirit control. No one of ordinary prudence would through me, if I would only trust them. A great deal of dare to give UD the use and control of his mind and will to Scripture was given, and all very appropriate to those for whom it was given; but the Devil quoted Scripture to Christ; fellow mien, m&h less to unseen powers which merely profess and I st,ill think the same as I did before ‘trvinrr the spirits,’ to be good and great and wise. No Christian who has the slightest confidence in the Bible as the inspired Word of God --only I was not sure that fallen angels would admit, even for [21791

(197499)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

ALLEGIIENY, PA.

the purpose of deceiving, that Christ had ‘come in the flesh;’ but it seems now they will. Probably 1 John 4:1-3 refers to doctrines of men wholly. Of course, it would be possible for those who shall have ‘part in the first resurrection’ to speak through such a device, but is it probable that they will? I will be glad to hear from you on this subject. [That passage has reference to men,-doctrines among men. It may be remarked here that the evil spirits not Only have knowledge of present events, but, by some power can frequently cloiely approximate the future. In one instance under our notice two deaths within a year were foretold: one of the parties died, the other became seriously ill, but recovered. Some power is in Satan’s hand, but with limitations. Comnare Heb. 2:14: Psa. 97:lO; 116:15 and Job. 2:3-6.-

of the great Teacher and of the twelve inspired apostles whom he appointed as our instructors, our teachers. We advised the sister further, that it was very unwise to disobey the divine instructions - (Isa. 8: 19, 20) - by having anuthana whatever to do with these “seducina snirits.” These arg not “the spirits which we are to “try” #‘wvhether they be of God,” for God has already forewarned us that they are not of him. but that thev are “wicked spirits.” As well might we use’ the Apostle’s” words as an ‘excuse for trying all the various brands of intoxicating spirits to see if one could be found which would not make drunk. These “familiar,” wicked spirits claim that they are numerous, a “legion” possessing one man: thev would ask no more than that humanitv should “try” them ill. A fair trial or “test” is just what they request and they succeed sooner or later in enslaving most of EDIT&L 1 those who test them. “What experience I have had tends to confirm your teachIn the passage which says, “Beloved, believe not every ing-that the communications are from the fallen angels. They spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God” (1 John are verv unreliable. One can but feel how impossible it will 4: l-6). the word snirits is used in the sense of teaching or be in these closing days of the Gospel age for any one to doctrine and has no’ reference to spirit beings. This is shown ‘itand’ who has not a firm foundation for faith.” by the verses following, which declare that we are to “try” or Here is an illustration of the insidious methods of these discern between “the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.,’ demons. Like Satan and the evil spirits of our Lord’s day, And this may be quickly done, for all false doctrines either thev will confess Christ and the truth. Similarly, the woman directly or indirectly deny that “Christ died for our sink;” “p&sessed,, followed Paul and Silas several days saying truly that “the man Christ Jesus gave himself a ransom for all.,’ (Arts 16: 16-18) _ “Theqe men are the servants of the most Assuredly we should not expect that the Lord, nor any in l&k-God, which’show unto us the way of salvation.,’ But for harmony with him, will ever make use of methods which the that matter, abundant evidence could be adduced that they “lying spirits” use and which God in his CQord has condemned would confirm and approve almost any doctrine or theory and forbidden. To do so would exnose God’s neonle to all a held precious by the inquirer in order to gain his confidence, the “wiles of the devil.” and thus a fuller power over him. The sister sent us an advertisement of the Psychograph Respecting the “mine,‘‘-that is a bait to draw and hold which says,the interest. - It is questionable whether the fallen angels can “Do vou wish to investigate Spiritualism? Do you wish see deener into the earth than can mankind. Of course, it to develop mediumship? Do-you desire to receive communicamight happen that the gold in paying quantities might be tions? The psychograph is an invaluable assistant. Many, found on any of the gold-bearing veins of Georgia, but the who were not aware of their mediumistic gift, have, after a experiences of miners in general and of drillers for petroleum few sittings, been able to receive delightful messages. Many, who have been “directed by spirits,” or who have used “divinwho began with it as an amusing tov, found that the intelliing rods,,’ has been that, in the end, they lost money by folgence c&trolling it knew more t‘han’ themselves, and became The presumption must therefore be converts to Spiritualism.” lowing such directions. that, if the “lying spirits” are not deceiving by misrepresentThus does Satan now make use of the belief common to ing themselves as possessing knowledge when they have none, all denominations of Christians as well as heathendom, that then the same malevolence which leads them as “seducing the dead are not dead but are aneels hovering round us; and spirits” to lure mankind to moral and mental wreck, leads what is more calculated to %educe’, them -than just such them to take nleasure in misleading them to financial wreck. a toy? Lying spirits, like lying men, are no’ to be beZiieved or trusted Bv the same mail came the samples of The Progressive under any circumstances. Thinker,-a spiritualist organ of the- most pronounced type. Concerning the advice to “teach”: coming from such a We examined it. havine in view matter for this article, and quarter, it should rather incline us to fear that the demons to our surprise found- that several of its leading articles saw in the sister a weakness in that direction from which she freely conceded that the vast majority of the communicating would be most easily assailable. It is safe to conclude in spirits are evil skits which seek influence over human beings advance that their advice is either directly or indirectly in order to work their ruin: and if possible to get possess&r intended to do us harm. And notice the cunning which sought of them to make them crazv. It told of written communicato guard against suspicion by quoting texts-cautioning-to tions dro ped into a room” signed “Beelzebub” and “Devil.,’ humility! In one co!l umn under the caption “A Critical Study of ObsesTrue, the neonle need instruction, and all instructors are sion,” was an account of a poor woman who had been so “teachers ;” b& & is very unsafe for- anyone to think of himbeset by evil spirits that she was sent to an Insane Asylum The preferable plan, by far, is self or herself as a teagher. and who finally got rid of their torments; and it gives her for each to be a pupil in the school of Christ the great statement, “I prayed them away.” Asked, “To whom did Teacher; and to be-ready to learn of him through any Ghan- you pray?” her recorded answer is, “To the Ever-living God. nel. or to be used bv him in helning to make slain to others He only can answer prayer.” And yet in another column Each one who l&r”ns anything of the Lord his‘ teachinGod’s name is blasphemed, under the caption, “Peter and should tell %‘to others, not as his own wisdom and teaching, Paul,,’ from which w’e quote. these words--“Moses, who though but the Lord’s, and himself merely the channel which gladly said to be learned in all the Egvntian skill. was the verv passes the water of life on to others. No wonder the holy meanest of men, and for his God%roneously took Jehovah, ‘a Spirit cautions us, “Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, departed spirit of an Egyptian disappointed aspirant to some knowing that we [teachers] shall have the greater judgment _ lucrative or ecclesiastical office.,’ [or severer trial].“-James3: 1. In the same issue (April 3, ‘97)) under the heading1Qith the thought of teachine others is closelv associated “Thoughts Illustrating the Status of Spiritualism, and the the thought of superior wisdom: and from the f&t this has Dangers that Beset the Honest Investigator,,, by Charles heen Satan’s bait. To mother Eve his promise as the reward Dawbran, we have a notice of a book by an English clergy of disobedience was, “Ye shall be [wise1 as gods.” And the man, entitled “The Great Secret or the Modern Mystery of temptation to her was that she perceived from his arguments Spiritualism.,’ Introducing the author the article says:that the forhidden fruit was desirable “to make one wise.” “His experiences commenced with the deevlopment of his Alaq, the wisdom which Satan gives is verv undesirable. It is wife as a writing medium, through whom. from time to time. “[l]. earthly, [2] sensual, [3]-devilish;‘,” as many, too late, he received such-tests as delight ihe heari of the worshiper of have discovered. But on the contrarv. “the wisdom which phenomena. He also seems to have made the acquaintance of rometh down from above is first pure, {hen [2] peaceable, [3] almost every public medium who has at anv time been high gentle, 141 easy to be entreated, [5] full of mercy and good priest or p&&ess of the occult, to the worthy citizens %f fruits. [6] without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (Jas. London. And he has annarentlv been a welcomed visitor to 3:15-17) No wonder the inspired Apostle said, “I fear lest the homes and seances 0: every”distinguished investigator or by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve, by subtilty [cunfull-fledged believer in that city during the forty years of ning], so your minds should be corrupted from the simnlicitv which he writes. He has included hvnnotism in his inveotiea[purity] that is in Christ.” (2 Cor. ‘11:3) Let us the’refork tions, and has been successful both”& operator and subj&t. lose no opportunity for telling the “good tidings of great joy;” He has even dabbled a little in ‘Black Magic,, at least sufficient -but let us lose sight of ourselves as teachers and point all, to prove it a dread reality. So we have in this author a man as brethren and fellow-pilgrims, to the words and example most unusually qualified to deal intelligently with the subject. [2180]

JULY 1, 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(199-200)

That he is now, and has for almost all these years been a believer is evident, for he narrates incidents a.nd proofs which would carrv conviction to everv intelligent and unprejudiced mind. Bui his trouble has been that- of every eGpe?ienced investigator. He has not only witnessed much phenomena that could be explained as due to the normal or abnormal powers of the mortal, but where there has been an evident ‘ghost’ at work, mistakes and at times evident fraud, have troubled his ecclesiastical soul. “So we have little but the usual mixed experiences of the average intelligent investigator. A grain of wheat to a bushel of chaff is claimed bv the spiritualist as abundant compensation fd; the toil and ‘trouble-of long years of waiting upon the ‘dear sDirit.5.’ And to some minds DerhaDs it is. But to others there have ever been fierce at%emp& to increase the crop of truth. And it is herein that the experiencs of this clergyman become interesting to every truth-lover the world over. He, as we have said, has had abundant experience in both public and private sea&es, but his pathway to progress seemed blocked. He was iust as liable to the usual imperfmtions of spirit intewourse’after many years of such inv&igation, as in the very first sittilbgs with his owls wife and a few chosen friends. “So ‘the question became: ‘Is progress possible?’ And to solve this he tried an experiment which inspires the present writer to call this attention to his book. For as we have seen, the rest was what almost everybody can endorse, and say ‘me too.’ He determined to seek spirit intercourse from the highest plane possible to the mortal, so that if there be truth to the maxim ‘like to like’ he might attract the very highest, and repel those who come from the unseen to trouble He devoted a house to that and perplex weary mortals. purp&e.Not merely were there rooms for use by mediums and circles of investieators or believers. but a chapel was prepared where he h&elf conducted a riliglous service twice a week, and it was at the concluuion of this service that a sDecia1 seance was held bv the believers present. The surrouhdings were most solemn: Frivolity was’ conspicuous only by its absence. The spirits had prommed great results. For over a vear at one time, and for months at others, these meetings” were continued. But no promise was fulfilled. Prayers to God for light and truth proved no more efficacious than the eternal ‘Nearer my God to thee’ of the usual public seance, with its miscellaneous crowd. “So our poor clergyman has his one grain of wheat after forty years of honest attempt to make at least a pint of it. He clings to that atom of truth with his soul, but his earnest attempt at pro.qress has proved a life-long failure, although, apparently, every condition was favorable to success. Since such is the experience of the thousands, once zealous, who have become ‘silent’ believers from the same cause, we may well ask: Is modern Spiritualism fixed and bounded like the theological systems of the past and present? Is there no hope of solving its problems, overcoming its barriers, and reaching a higher manhood on this side of the life line? Is the honest and convinced investigator presently to become discouraged, almost as a matter of course?” Tl& claim made by spiritists is that good spirits commune with good DeoDle. and evil sDirits with evil people is thus disproqed. ‘Co;ld stronger t&timony than thi;s Ij, produced in evidence that all spirit communications are from evil spirits and are whollv unreliable? The writer, further on in the same Spiritist” journal, gives the following account of the exDeriences of another “believer.” for which he vouches:1 “For a score of years he hai been true to his convictions, endeavoring to reduce all belief to a basis of provable facts. His own sensitiveness permitted spirit approach, and sometimes the heavens had seemed to open to shower blessings on his soul. But foes came as readily as friends whenever the gate was ajar, so that, for the most part, safety compelled him to avoid personal experience of spirit return. The active mind offers poor foothold to any spirit, so he accepted public

office and labored zealously for the public weal. But at intervals the experiences reappeared, and it seemed as if the battle had to be fought all over agam. He failed to find a direct cause which might account for the presence of his foes. But they seemed to have certain gathering points. For instance, he could rarely visit a public library 6 select a book but that he would be followed and annoved for hours bv some “invisible,” seeking to control him. “It is true, each battle, when fought to victory, was usually followed by a brief and happy re-union with angel friends, but the sense of danger made him only the more earnest to close the door to all spirit return. His method of fighting off the influence was to resolutely fix his mind on some matter of interest in his daily affairs. And this would, sooner or later, prove successful every time. Any attempt to gain help from the spirit side of life only seemed to give added power to the foe.” This man had evidently progressed in Spiritism so that he The suDDosed eood had become a “clairaudient medium.” spirits or “angel friends” which sometimes visited him %ere merely the same evil spirits called by the writer “foes;” but they transformed themselves to his mind by assuming an opposite attitude when they found him getting away from their influence * ,-to keep him from abandoning them altogether, and in hope that by and by they would get such an influence over him that escape would be impossible. From the same journal, under the heading; “Incidents With Good Advice,” after giving two cases of pronounced insanity, the direct result of “spirit control,” we find the following: “The lesson I would draw is this: Never sit alone, if there is the least Drobabilitv of the controls overcoming one’s judgment, Even ihough th>ir intentions may be good; as in Mr. B.‘s case; yet their experience has been insufficient with regard to the management of mediums, and their operations Never permit a control to may become very injudicious. ca&e you to do -that- which your judgment cannot sanction, no matter under what promise it is given. Onlv evil designing controls are liable ‘to resort to s&h measuris. ‘These cases call to mind the thought that undoubtedly there are many others in the asylums, who are simply the victims of control. I could cite another case, where during her first confinement, a young woman was given chloroform and other treatment which weakened her system to such an extent that a degraded spirit took hold of her organism, and the language he made that previously moral girl use, was deplorable, Under these conditions she was committed to the asilum, where she is at present and at last reports was, at times. able to control her bodv. and. of course, at those times she was considered ‘rational’ by the authorities. “Let all Spiritualists be s&e to caution persons who are beeinning their investigation bv sitting alone to be verv carefur-and-to make a re&lar practice of-reporting, so tha”t those of experience may know what is taking place and advise accordingly. And further, let us make a practice of looking into all cases of so-called ‘insanity’ before they are sent to the asylums; perchance it may be a case like those I have cited.” A “strong delusion,” an “energy of Satan” truly Spiritism is, when people with all these evidences before them still return to it time and again, even after being injured,-as do the once singed summer moths to the deadly glare that fascinates them. There is a dense darkness in the world today uDon divine truth: and thinkinp DeoDle, when awakened from t&e stupor which has so long b&;mded their reasoning faculties, as respects religion, cry out for ‘Light, more Light;” and if they do not get the true Light of the knowledge of God (which shines only for the honest and conserrated believer in the ransom), they are ready for the false lights with which “the nod of this world,” Satan, seeks to ensnare all-Hither Critic&m, otherwise called Agnosticism, or Spiritism: or Christian Science. or Theosouhv. These. if it were Dossible. would deceive thk very elec’t ;” and are’ well represinted ai being Satan’s ministers transformed as angels of light.
I,

PAUL

A PRISONER

AT

PHILIPPI

-JULY IL---ACTS 16 :22-34.“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.--,4&s 16: 11. Although, as we have seen, Paul and his company were and his deluded servants, and was permitted of God as a divinely directed into Europe, his early experiences there means for contrasting the spirit of the truth with the spirit would have led many others to think that there was some of error, and of bringing the Gospel particularly to the mistake respecting the matter,-some misdirection; for he attention of the jailor. had not been long in the new field of labor until he was The circumstances which led to the imprisonment are imprisoned. The Apostle, however, knew to expect just such interesting and instructive. Satan then, as previously and experiences, and realized himself in the hands of one who was since, used spirit manifestations to delude the people. A both able and willing to make all things work together for young woman was the spirit medium through which the good to his servants. The imprisonment was of the evil one demons (fallen angels) operated, personating the dead, and III-18 [21813

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TOWER

ALLEGHENY,

Pa

delivering messages purporting to be from them, to those the revenues who naid liberallv for the servrce. Apparently, from-this source “were very large, for-the woman was owned and controlled by a company or syndicate, and “brought her masters much gain.” It is perhaps difficult for us to determine the motives which prompted the evil spirits to move the medium to cry after Paul and Silas, “ These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation.” These cvjl bpiritq, however, were similarly moved on several occa(Mark 1:24, 34) sions to confess our Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle endured thiri testimong for several days; but tinally ‘expelled the evil spirits; probably through sympathy for the woman, as well as from a realization that if thus l~crmitted the evil spirits might claim some collusion as between themselves and the Apostle, and so after his depal ture mi+t have an improper influence upon those who would rerelve the Gospel of Christ. Wealth always has been a power. It is not surprising, therefore, that the syndicate of worldly men who were making much gain through this spirit medium, angered by the wanton destruction of the value of their property, as they would regard the matter, and realizing the loss of all their future profits from this source, would feel disposed to inflict some kind of retribution upon those who had been the cause of their misfortune. And their wealth had power with the magistrate who, similarlv blinded. did not recognize that a good work bad been dank in liberating a fellow-creature from-the power of the devil, and thus stopping one avenue of evil influence and deception. The Apostle, as a shrewd man, probably knew to expect some such results; otherwise we may suppose that he would have rebuked the evil snirit on the first dav. He probably took the time to think and pray over the matter, and to ascertain the Lord’s will before putting himself and the interests of the cause in jeopardy. We may be sure that he was guided in this matter for good, the Lord probably wishing to bring the gospel message to the jailor. The charges brought against Paul and Silas are worthy of note as indicating the cunning of the syndicate owning the medium. When Paul and Silas were dragged to the public square, where trials were conducted, the charge brought against them was not that thev had wrecked the financial interests of the syndicate by the exercise of a spirit more powerful than that which nossessed their medium. for such a charge would have had no-weight under the laws of the Romans; but taking advantage of the fact that the Roman law, while tolerant of all religions, made it a criminal offense to attempt to proselyte a Roman, they made their charges along this-line, Claimino that Paul and Silas were Jews. who were endeavorine to proselyte Romans. This charge had some foundation in Fact, ‘for of-course the brethren were there for the very purpose of ronvrrtinc Jews, Greeks and Romans to Christ. On this charge thky were adjudged guilty, and the masses taking sides :tgninst them, the magistrates made the penalties the more severe. They were beaten in public, and then put into the inner prison and their feet, made fast in the stocks. With many, such treatment! and the fact that God permitted it, would have brought discouragement, and they would consequentlv have chosen some less hazardous calling in life; but these servants of God were true soldiers of the cross; who had enlisted for life. realizing that thev were called unon “to endure hardness as good roldiers o$ the Lord J&us Christ.” Instrad of bemoaning their lot and wishing they had never enlisted in the Lord’s service. or thinking of how they could withdraw from it, these noble men, on-the contrary, rejoiced and thanked God that they were accounted worthv to suffer in his name and for his cause. While not dispoS’ed to be obtrusive with their prayers and praises, they evidently felt that it would be proper that their fellow prisoners who would know something of their treatment, should know something also of how they received it, and. of the grace of God which sustained them. No such nrisoners had &er been there before, and never before had thai prison been a Bethel, a house of God, a gate of heaven. As the Apostles prayed their strength of heart and fervency of spirit increased until they broke forth in songs of thankfulness, gratitude and praise to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Heathen religions have holy books, and prayers, and occasional mournful chants bv their nriests or nriestesses. but they have no singing of hymns in’ worship. *These seem to have been confined first, to the Jews, and secondly, to their successors in grace. Christians: but now, alas! thev are taken up by all classes, and some times prostituted to ihe uses of Mormonism. Christian Science. Sniritism. Theosonhv. etc. How greatly this conduct if Paul and Silas d&s from the recorded conduct and sentiments of some of the greatest

and most notable and most stoical on the pages of history. Of Ovid, the famed poet and philosopher, it is declared“There is scarcely one of his many letters which he wrote during his short exile, which is not full of unmanly lamentations.” Of Seneca, a noted writer of Paul’s day, it is written that his books were “full of most sounding professions of stoic superiority to passion and pain, yet, when exiled, he broke into abject complaint.” Similar things are said concerning Cicero, and Napoleon Bonaparte is another example. Yet all these men. even in their exile, were surrounded by wealth and luxury: but here we have before us two men who had forsaken all for the nrivileee of beinp God’s ambassadors, representatives of Christ, suff&ng to bear the message of divine grace to the sin-blinded and unthankful;-yet under most distressing circumstances, with their backs lacerated from the beating. with their feet in the stocks, and their whole bodies the&fore pained and uncomfortable, with seemingly no cause for thankfulness that the worldly could discern, they were filled with love and gratitude to God, and their hearts overflowed in songs of praise. Surely they were actuated by super-human hopes and joys! Nor were they the only ones upon whom the truth and the holy spirit of the truth has had such an influence. We remember many martyrs who likewise “endured as seeing him who is invisible.” We think of Daniel praying in the lion’s den and answering the king in a cheerful voice, “The God whom I serve hath sent his angel and shut the lion’s mouth.” We remember the three HebFew captives, who, because of faithfulness to God, were cast into the fiery furnace; and who there had the nresence with them of one in appearance like the Son of Man. We remember Bunyan, who,‘ *while in Bedford iail. England. for faithfulness to the truth. not onlv prayed t’o God, -but figuratively sang his praises, ‘as rep&sented in his remarkable work-Pilgrim’s Progress. We remember also King David of old, some of whose most exnressive and impressive Pialms were written in hours of distress, when the Lord upheld him. Madam Guyon, while imprisoned in the Castle Vincennes ( 1695). wrote songs and sang them in praise to God. Writing of it subsequenti$ she said,-“It sometimes seems to me as if I were a little bird. whom the Lord had placed in a cage, and that I had nothing now to do but sing. The joy of my heart gave brightness to the objects around me. The stones of mv orison looked to mv eves like ” v rubies.” In prison she wrote:-& “A little bird I am, shut from the fields of air; And in my songs I sit and sing to him who placed me there: Well pleased a prisoner thus to be, because, my God, it pleaseth thee. My cage confines me round,-abroad I cannot flee; But though my wing is closely bound, my heart’s at liberty. My prison walls cannot control the flight, the freedom of my soul.” Thank God, the days of beating and imprisonment for Christ’s sake are no more: but there are still opportunities for the develo ment and exercise of the spirit of -sacrifice by all who are Falthful followers in the foot&ens of the Lord Jesus; there are social smitings and ostracisms for the truth’s sake, which can be borne with-rejoicing to such an extent that the smart is scarcelv felt. There are times when the Lord permits our financial conditions to become almost a gloomy prison as viewed from the natural standpoint,-times when responsibilities or sicknesses may shut us in as prisoners; but under such circumstances the faithful are able to realize the Lord’s favor and mercy; they find many blessings to recount and their hearts overflow with thankful gratitude and praise, so that all who come in contact with <hem take knowledge of them. as thev did of the Anostles. “that thevI have been with Jesus and “learned of him.>? . The Lord’s response to the faith, prayers and praise of his servants, by an earthquake, is of course out of the ordinary course of his providences; but the case was an extraordinary one. These were extraordinary servants, the work given them to do in establishing the church was an extraordinary work. And evidentlv something extraordinarv was needed in the case of the jailor, who, though an honest”and well disposed man, was not expecting any blessing of religious instruction from the prisoner under his care: yet, as soon as he grasped the situation he became as teachable as a child at the feet of his prisoners, inquiring the way to eternal life. It is worthy of note that the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ has little effect upon any who receive it otherwise than in meekness: those who onnose themselvee and fight the truth at everv sten are not of -the kind, nor in the -condition to be bles&d by it: hence the Lord tells us to “nreach the Gosnel to the meek.” The gist of the apostle’s &structions is summed up in our golden text,- “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”-the sig-

[21821

JULY

1,

1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(203-204)

nificance of which is very comprehensive. It implies not only mental assent to the fact that Christ died for out sins and arose for ow justification, but also a reception of these truths into the heart and into the life of the believer; so that from thenceforth he may realize that he is not his own, but bought with a price, even the precious blood of Christ; that he belongs to him and should willingly submit in every matter to his guidance and direction. The Apostle did not tell the jailor and his family that they must seek the Lord’s favor and forgiveness for several weeks, in prayer at a mourner’s bench, or otherwise; but, on the contrary, that they should simply and at once believe the fact8

as preached to them, and at once start a consecrated life in harmony therewith. And all this faith and consecration w&a at once confessed and professed by the jailor and his family when they were immersed. Meantime, we can imagine with what tenderness and gratitude to God the jailor washed the wounds of his remarkable prisoners; and recognizing them as the servants and representatives of the Lord he entertained them with the best his house afforded. A proper appreciation of God and his goodness always leads to an appreciation of the servants and instruments which God is pleased to use in bringing blessings to us.

THE

GOSPEL

TO THE

NOBLE

AND

TO THE

MORE

NOBLE

Jan 18.-Aa~s 17 : 1-12. “Thev received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily.“-Acts 1i:ll. Leaving Philippi at the request of the magistrates, and for error is the most subtle and dangerous spirit encountered by the sake of peace, not insisting upon his rights as a Roman those who are called to forsake all and follow Christ. citizen, Paul with Silas and Timothy proceeded westward, The unbelieving Jews were those who were not in proper leaving Luke with the believers at Philippi for the further condition of heart to receive the truth;-of the Ishmael class, establishment of the believers in the truth. Their next ston they were full of envy and jealousy against the true seed of Abraham-the true heirs of the promise. They did not hesiwas at the city of Thessalonica, the capital of Macedon&. tate to employ hoodlums as their servants in creating an They were seeking cities where there were considerable numbers of Jews, knowing that they would be the best prepared to uproar and making a mob-assault upon the house in which understand the gospel and to accept it. One of the attractions they supposed Paul and Silas and Timothv were lodged. Not at Thessalonica was a large synagogue: and it was to the finding -these, they took Jason and others “of the new converts Jews, as usual, that the Auostle first addressed himself. before their tribunal. accusinn them of consorting with the It is worthy of note ihat the Apostle’s manner was not disturbers of the peace. As &al, sagacitv was sh:wn in the nature of the charges; the same charge was brought forward that of a “ranter,” but of a logical and connected reasoner: his proofs were brought from the Old Testament Scriptures; that was brought against our Lord himself. namelv. treason to Caesar-teaihing ‘bf another king. Under auto&tic govand the correspondence between these testimonies concerning ernments, such as that of the Cssars, rulers everywhere were Messiah, given of God through the prophets, with the facts and circumstances of our Lord’s ministry and death were expected to be specially severe against any and every form of treason, and to have ignored such charges would have made logically set forth. And no doubt all his hearers had some How them appear to be co-conspirators against Cesar. knowledge of the matters which had transpired in Jerusalem; for representatives undoubtedly went every ear to Jerusalem, shrewdly the adversary makes his attacks ! The reports which reac K ed them had no to the Passover. Since the Lord had been pleased to frustrate the plans of doubt all been from the prejudiced Jewish side of the matter, the enemies of the truth for the arrest of his ministers, the leading them to believe that, while Jesus was a good man who latter concluded that it would be the proper thing not to performed many wonderful works, he was nevertheless an imarouse further antagonism, nor to challenge their enemies bv postor, possessed of a devil, a false Messiah. etc. The Auostle’s bringing charges of-riot, etc., but rather -peaceably departed work, then, was largely to’correct these misapprehensions, and for another city. In this they followed the instructions of to show that the very things which they had heard respecting our Lord, ‘When they shall persecute you in one city flee the ignominious death of Jesus were all parts of the divine unto another-” They followed the example of our Lord also, plan,-that fitted perfectly to the revioui testimony of the of whom we read that he left Judea and Galilee, for he nronhets. He moved to them that R essiah must of necessitv “could not walk in Judea because the Jews sought to kill havk died as {he Redeemer, before he could justly diaper& him.” divine mercy and forgiveness to any. And then, he showed The words of the enemies-“These that have turned the that all these things had been accurately and properly fulfilled world up-side-down are come hither also,” indicate how widein the experiences of Jesus. spread was the knowledge of the truth at this time, and how As usual, wherever the true Gos el went, the result was zealous the efforts of the apostles were conceded by their a division; and the same is true to a ay. enemies to be. Nor was this turning up-side-down wholly the work of the apostles: rather it was the work of the spirit So our Lord foretold, saying, “Think not that I am come rwo;dn,d peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a of the truth, wherever the truth was preached; the apostles were merely zealous in i.ntroducing the truth which did the . The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, and work. When they were gone, the true believers, inspired by it not on1 separates in congregations, but also in homes-the the same suirit. continued the work of turnine matters UDIshmael c9ass opposes the Isaac class-the Esau class opposes side-down, hot only in the synagogue, but ala:, we may be the Jacob class. Many not appreciating the divine plan are sure, in their own hearts and in their own lives; turning out Such divisions along surprised that the truth causes division. the evil and impure, and turning in more and more of the right lines are to be expected and esteemed: but the Apostle fruits and graces of the spirit of the truth. The reason that speaks of another kind of divisions which are disapproved so many who receive some knowledge of the truth, know little and are to be avoided; namely, divisions on technicalities, of the turning up-side-down of the perversities of their old methods, forms, genealogies, etc. The Apostle assures us that natures is, because they fail to receive the spirit of the truth, such divisions are of the adversary. But divisions as between fail to come into full sympathy of heart with the principles those who accept Christ as their Redeemer and the only hope of divine righteousness which inspired the word of truth and of salvation, and those who do not so accept him, are most formulated the divine plan. Alas ! many seem to receive the important and to be desired. Upon all other points the Lord’s people are to be peace-lovers and “peace makers.” “So far as truth not in the love of it; but rather ‘in the love of controversy or in curiositv. To such it will be of no real value. lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Waive all unimTo profit us it must-be received as the sword of the Spirit to portant tests and shibboleths, but in no sense or degree either kill the old nature. that the new nature mav develon :-it ignore or deny the only basis of Christian fellowship-the must become “a discerner of the thoughts andlintents bf the “ransom for all.” heart” to us, that we may by divine -grace conquer self and The believing Jews consorted or associated with the brethbring everv thought into cantivitv to the will of God. ren, and quite a good many Greeks, including a number of The next stop was at Bkrea, “sixty miles west of Thessahonorable women, were counted among the believers; and the cause seemed to be gaining a good foothold: but again God lonica. Of the people of this city wonderful words of commendation are written, Dermitted a disturbance which brought the truth and its “These were more nohle than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the Word in all readiiervants more prominently before the”attention of the whole ness of mind, examining the Scriptures dailv, whether those people and served to makk the cleavage between the believers things were so.” This commendation is frequently misunderand the unbelievers the more distinct. Thus not only a trial of faith and of character was brought unto the believers, but stood as aunlicable to the Christians at Berea: but not so. it a blessing came, also, to those who were faithful; for all who applies spec-ially to the Jews at that place: they seemed to be just ready for the truth, and yet received it, not in a spirit of took a decided stand for the truth were undoubtedlv heloed and strengthened thereby. The spirit of comprom&e with credulity, simply because it was told to them, but properly 121881

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TOWER flourished far better than the church established at Berea. This is evidenced by the fact that the Apostle wrote two of his epistles to the church at Thessalonica, and we have no record of any written to the church at Berea. We may draw a lesson from this to the effect that it is not always the places in which the truth is most favorably received that it will hold out the longest and bring forth most fruitage. Persecution and opposition are often agencies of great blessings; -in part perhaps because they draw the line of demarkation sharulv between those who are the Lord’s and those who are not ih’e Lord%. A certain amount of persecution is very helpful in the establishment of character: Hence the encouragement of the Anostle to “reioice in tribulation,” and again his Ag& the declaration, “Tribulation ” worketh patience.” Apostle Peter stated that present afflictions may be considered light, because we recognize that “they work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

they were ready and of a proper spirit to investigate, and to see whether the things snoken fitted to the nronhetic statements respecting Messiah-and his work, etc. *Th& is always a mark of true nobility, and such noble persons are worthy of the truth and are enabled to receive it. Nevertheless, we are to remember that readiness to investigate and to receive the truth are not the only qualities which go to make up a Christian. In one of his parables our Lord illustrates a class which was ready to receive the Word, but had no root in themselves, and who consequently, when the sun of persecution arose, withered and lost their Christian vitality. Apparently, the larger proportion of the Jews at Berea became heliebers, and the unbelievers were so comparatively few that thcg did not attempt persecution. But whether it was from l&k of persecution, br whether it was that the sl,etl at Bcrca fell into hearts that had less denth, it is neverthrlr-i a fart that the church at Thessalonica seems to have

CUMBERED

WITH

MUCH
Wait

SERVING

“So busy, 0 so busy,” is the clay on every side, ‘There’s much to do, and workers few, while on the moments glide ;” And weary hearts are fainting oft’ beneath their load of care; -4nd willing hands have grown too weak the burden’s weight to bear. “No time to rest, no time to wait for strength to be renewed, No time to tarry till the soul with power is endued; The tasks increasing every day, this life so near its close; We cannot rest.” the toilers cry, “until death brings repose!” 0 burdened hearts, can it be true this is the Master’s will? Are you to labor every hour and never to be still? These vessels are so very small, our cups will not run o’er Unless we seek the fountain’s brink for filling more and more. Take time to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear his blessed Word;
VOL.

there, like Mary, till your soul to love’s best deed is stirred; Then break the alabaster box, and let its perfume sweet Spread with the Gospel’s joyful sound, and make the earth replete! 0 be ,“,“itt cumbered with much care,-they serve who only

The Lord’: command, “ Go thou and work,” will never come too late. His truth must burn within your soul e’er you a task begin: For we must know our captain’s will if faith’s good fight we win. Then come apart each weary one into a place of rest,The flesh so weak must often seek the Rock and Shadow blest; There tarry in that silence sweet till freed from every care, And you arise, with strength renewed, for him to do and dare. -F. B. Burroughs. JULY 15, 1897 No. 14

~-

XVIII --___~

ALLEGHENY,

PA.,

VIEWS

FROM THE

WATCH

TOWER

The “American Railway Union” under the lead of Eugene V. Debs. at its ,Jnne convention, merged itself into a new organization, known as “The Social Democracy of America.” The scheme proposed is that members and friends of the Society shall contribute funds to start a system of colonies, one after another, as rapidly as possible, in some state of the Union at present Ppnrsely settled and otherwise considered favorable to the scheme. When the colonists are of sufficient number they hope to control the state legislature and government-to enact socialistic laws, and to enforce them; and thus to give to the world a practical example of their claim, that Socialism is to be the world’s saviour. Practical tests of the various social remedies proposed are just what is needed to prove them all at best palliatives, never remedies, and often breeders of woes worse than those they seek to cure. It would be an excellent plan to set apart one-half say, of Oregon, and divide it into about twenty little states for experimental purposes, in which the advocates of various “social-rrrlemption” theories could rule themselves and “try” their theories, and prove them failures. Give one to “The Social Democracy,” another to the “Nationalists,” anothrr to the “Single Taxers,” another to “The New Woman,” another to “Anarchists,” etc. In fact there is no need for legislation on the subjert, for there is plenty of good vacant land to be had by settlers, free, in several states. But what these “reformers” want is not free land, free water, free air, and plenty of hard work in “subduing the forests,” etc. The Pilgrim fathers got those things with “sweat of face;” and it developed in them strong characters for integrity, and a reverence for the Creator and his Word. Judging from their declaration of intentions, “The Social Democracy of America” purposes to steal a state. Under cover of liberal laws they design to enter some favored state and to so change its laws that the invested wealth, improvements and conveniences accumulated by others through years of toil shall, nolens volcns, be largely appropriated to the use and convenience of the less prudent or less fortunate invaders. And all this is proposed on the plea that the “reformers” wish to demonstrate the blessings that would flow from the operation of the Law of Love, as opposed to the miseries of the present Law of fk~fiSh?W?88. Alas! how easily men can deceive themselves. Surely, anyone can see that at very most

this is the self-love of one class fighting the self-love of another class. We rejoice to note any evidence of the growth of the spirit of generositv in mankind: and would be glad if all men were willyng to surrender private interests to the public welfare; but ,we are not so blind to facts and reason as to suppose that Mr. Debs and his associates are acting the part of philanthropists in scheming to acquire the property of others: though, of course, it may be claimed that such a readjustment should come sometime. But all such schemes are now in order, and many of them will undoubkdlv be tried that the world mav have demonstrations of that which God’s people already know from his Word; -that all human schemes must fail to bring forth perfect results because conceived and carried forward by men and women whose thoughts and deeds are warped by the sin and selfishness of six thousand years’ development. Mr. Debs and his principal associates express great con. fidence in the success of their scheme, and point to the success of the Mormons in Utah. Thev forget that the secret of the Mormon success is a religious “unit-that practically enslaves the people to the control of their Elders whom they accept as divinely appointed and inspired. No other slavery can hold its victims so firmly as religious slavery-good or bad. And Mr. Debs could exnect no such influence over those who would follow him as standard-bearer. * There would be nothing common to all who would join his colonies: but selfishness and selfishness is the very basis of anger, envy, hatred and strife, and constantly tends to disintegration. His scheme might prosper so long as donutiolzs in its aid would continue, or so long as special hopes of improvement at the expense of others held out; but it would go to pieces at once when these selfish inducements would cease. Mr. Dcbs and some of his associates no doubt have some benevolent sentiments blended with their selfish ones, and with us would probsbly rejoice to see all the “groaning creation” (Rom. 8:22. 23) relieved from the present pressure of evil. What they lack is the knowledge which comes from the Lord’s Word-a quarter from which they expect no light. It teaches-( 1) That no man can either appreciate or exercise pure love unmixed with selfishness, except he be

[2184]

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WATCH

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(208-209)

“born again,,’ for which he must first be “begotten again” by the holy spirit of the Lord’s Word of truth. (2) That only such are qualified to rule either themselves or others, or to enjoy full liberty. (3) That God has been testing and selecting just such a class of rulers during this gospel age; and that soon he will bless the world by establishing his “elect,’ under Christ, their “Head,” as his autocratic kingdom, to take away human lib-

erty and rule with a rod of iron, until all who will obey shall be blessed and lifted to perfection of being and of character; and all who will not obey shall be destroyed. (Acts 3 : 19-23; 1 Cor. 15: 12-25) Then, at the close of the Millennial age, full liberty can be granted to all; for none but the worthy will remain. “Our Father which art in heaven. . . . Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven.”

WHAT

SAY

THE

SCRIPTURES

ABOUT

SPIRITISM?

PBOOFS THAT IT IS DEMONISM-Concluded to reform, yet the gospel of salvation is restricted to repentant Another popular Spiritualist paper is The Philosophical “believers” only,-“the meek of the earth.” Journal. It continually urges that its gospel of Spiritism be WARNINGS FROM A SPIXITIST AND SWEDENBORGIAN tested, and declares it to be the one thing the world needs; and yet it also admits the frauds practiced by the “spirits” Joseph Hartman has published a book of 378 pages in It will admit that when detected as “evil upon mediums. which he recounts his experiences as a Spirit medium (led spirits, ” “lying spirits,,, by misrepresentation, fraud, wicked into it by Swedenborg’s teachings), his debasement almost to suggestions or works, arousing the victim to resistance or the loss of reason by spirit obsession, and his final recovery relief through prayer, evidently the same @kits return. as from its ensnarement of his will; but strange to say, he is moralists, with reproofs, professions of sympathy and promises still a firm believer in Swedenborgianism and Spiritism, of aid in resisting the evil spirits, etc., only to improve the although, like others, he cautions every one to be oh guard first opportunity of weakness or temptation to break down against their wicked devices. Poor deluded man. I he still all resistance of the will and obtain complete possessionbzlieves that there are good spirits. obsession. We clip a statement in support of this from its Mr. H. had come in contact with the “Planchette,” a issue of April 22, ‘97, signed by A. N. Waterman, one of the wooden device which holds a pencil and moves readily under leading Spiritualist lights. Under the caption, “Beal Authorthe hands of certain mediums or “sensitives,” even children, ship of Spirit Communications,” he says:writing answers to questions propounded to it; and he had “It appears to me impossible that in this life we can know attended several tipping and rapping seances, and was confrom whom a spiritual communication from the other world vinced that they were not frauds, but the operations of invisis made. We can have evidence, something like that which we ible, intelligent spirits. He became actively interested while possess in reference to the authorship of a telegram, but no endeavoring to convince doubting friends of the genuineness more.,’ of the manifestations. Next he tried it in his own family and Would people of “sound mind” stake their all, risk an developed the fact that his little son was a drawing and insanity which according to their own accounts is manifold writing medium. Next he was curious to investigate the worse in torture than ordinary dementia, and spend their lives phenomena of spirit materialization. About this Time his trying to get other people to risk their alls similarly, when daughter “Dolly’ died, and he was deeply interested in the for it all they have no more evitie than goes with a teleapparations or materializations which professed to be “Holly.” gram? Would they do so when the bitter *experiences of He, however, was incredulous, and, in his own words, “gave forty years testing had told them that the genume are at most it UD under a cloud. and a susnicion of fraud.” But after only as “one grain to a bushel,” as one of them has just five &years of experience he say&-(,Whatever doubts I may told us? have entertained respecting the phenomena, I am clearly of deluded people would pursue the opinion that honest materialazatzons are now of frequent No, no; only desperately as the holy Spirit in men produces such a course. Evidently occurrence. Who the forms are, or whence derived, is a mooted We have just seen that if the manifestations are “the spirit of a sound mind” (2 Tim. l:7 ; Prov. 2:6, 7 ) , so, question.” “honest” so far as the mediumship is concerned, they are on the other hand, the spirit of devils produces the spirit of an unsound mind. frauds so far as the persons represented are concernedsimulations of the dead, by the fallen angels. Another letter received recently from Florida, from a Later the table-tipping and rapping and drawing and hrother in Christ. a WATCH TOWER reader, well educated in __- ~.._~ ~~ _~ writing tests were revived at Mr. H.‘s home, two of his chilseveral languages; informs us concerning some peculiar expedren becoming adept mediums, and finally, he himself became riences recently had with these “seducing spirits.” He became a writing medium, to his own surprise and without expectaaware of the presence of invisible spirit beings, and they tion or solicitation. Now he could and did hold frequent conseemed to manifest a curious interest in his work: he was verse supposedly with his daughter “Dolly,” but really with translating MILLENNIAL DAWN into a foreign language. demons who personated her, and others, and was cauyed to resented foreWell informed along the Scriptural lines smell pleasant odors, etc. As a later development hc l,c*c~;lmea going, as to who these “seducing spirits” are, !i e nevertheless sneakinn medium, and “under control” would sneak and act forgot, or failed to heed the divine instruction,-that man&thout”his own intention or volition; but with &full power to kind should hold NO communication whatever with these “lying refuse to be a medium to such “spirits” as he chose to refuse, spirits” and “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of because of their former rudeness or obscenity. Next he was The neglect of this instruction caused him serious darkness.” granted the “inner ear,” “Clair-audience,” or ability to hear trouble; and but for the interposition of divine mercy, in sounds not audible to others, and thus to hold converse with response to his and our prayers, it might have made shipwreck the “spirits” without any outward agency, such as writing, of him-soul and body. rapping, etc. He was allured -to the coltferace by a mixture of Of his “spirit friends” he says,-“They described to me curiositv with a benevolent desire to do them good by preachthat their controlline circle consisted of ‘twelve sniritual gifts ing to them the glorious gospel of divine love and-mercy or virtues’ which composed a ‘band’ of very great &rength ;-and operating through Christ toward all mankind; and the eventual under their guidance, they declared, I would become one of the hope of a judgment (probationary trial) for the fallen angels, greatest mediums ever known. I revolted-had not the least declared in the Scriptures. ( 1 Cor. 6 : 3 ) At first they gave close ambition for fame of that sort.-They were the more deterattention and appeared to take a deep and reverent interest mined.” in the message; but before long they became very “familiar” Thus gradually was Mr. Hartman brought, against his spirits, intruding themselves and their questions and remarks wish, more and more under the “control” of the wicked spirits at all times and places, disputing with him and with each which finally obsessed him. The next experience was with a other in a manner and upon topics far from edifying, so that peculiar clairaudient “Voice” which represented itself to be the he remonstrated: finally he demanded that they depart, but Lord and took full control of him, directing his every act. It having gained his “inner ear” (having made of him what pictured all his errors and weaknesses in darkest shades; and Spiritists would term a ‘Wairaudient medium”) they were not endeavored to destrov all hone. He was told to pray, and disposed to go, and only through earnest prayer was he finally when he attempted to pray he was given such confli&ng sugdelivered. He should have been on his guard agamst their gestions as to words as made it imnossible. He was fast in seductive influences; he should have remembered that whatThe snare of the “wicked spirits;” “‘possessed,” and controlled ever messa e of grace the Lord may yet have for these fallen by “spirit-mesmerism,” as he calls it. angels he %as not yet sent it to them, and that none are But finally he escaped their bondage;-a once strong will authorized to speak for the Lord without authority. “How reasserted itself. and he wrote the account to hinder others shall they preach except they be The message of salfrom being similarly entrapped. But he does not understand vation thus far is to mankind only; and even here it is limthe matter, notwithstanding his remarkable experiences. His ited, for although all are to be counseled to repent of sin and 12186 J
--~-~~-d sent?”

(210-211)

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

.b,LECHENY.

PA.

experiences had proved that all the “spirits” which he had lying, profane, and a come in contact with were “wicked,” Yet, majority of them vulgarly and disgustingly obscene: believing these to be the spirits of dead men and women, he surmised that he had met a band of evil ones only, and that there were other bands of good, truthful and pure spirits of good people. If he had but known the Lord’s testimony on this subject, it would have put the entire matter in another light. After gaining will-control of himself he was still attended bv these evil spirits whose character he now fully knew; and they tried repeatedly to bring his will power again under “control.” but had no Dower that he would not grant. He did, however , grant them liberty to use his hand in writing communications. and in reply to his questions respecting how and why they had abused his confidence, lied to him, were obscene and sought to bind and injure him, they answered that they were constitutionally and thoroughly bad and that contradicting this and declaring they were “devils ;” -again that thev were spirits of dead human beings. But to confirm him in Swedenborgianism they told him that there were no Swedenborgians among them. And Hartman evidently believed these self-confessed “lying spirits,” for he concludes his book by quoting proofs that Swedenborg had passed through experlcnces of obsession somewhat like his own. He quotes from Swedcnborg’s Diary 2957-2996 as follows:“Very often when any one spoke with me, spirits spoke through me. . . . This occurred many times; for instance twice I cannot enumerate the times, they are so many. . . . today. they hare laughed through me, and done ?nany Moreover, things. . . . These are those who introduce these things into my thoughts, and while I am unconscious of it, lead my hand to write thus.” Hartman says of Swedenborg further:“It is a matter of history that Swedenborg’s maligners, not understanding interior temptations or spirit control, published that he was crazy, and that he did several foolish and insane things while living in London. . . . He was under control of spirits who acted through his body, speaking through him and moving his body as if it were their own. . . . During a part of this transitional period he was unquestionably conHe says he had ‘tremors and was trolled by evil spirits. shaken from head to foot, and thrown out of bed on his face’ he says, thoughts invaded . . . . ‘I was in the temptation,’ me that I could not control, . . . . and full liberty was given the them. . . . While I had the most damnable thoughts, worst that could possibly be, Jesus Christ was presented visibly before my internal sight.“’ Mr. Hartman comments:-“This we believe was an evil spirit pretending to be Christ, as in our own case the spirit pretended to be God.” To us it seems evident that Swedenborg was a spirit-medium and was an advance agent for promulgating and establishing the “doctrines of devils” respecting “seven heavens and seven hells,” etc., etc., ad nouseam. Yet Mr. Hartman closes his book with a eulogy of Swedenborg; who, although admittedly possessed of devils at times, he thinks was sometimes possessed and controlled by good spirits: while Hartman’s own experience corroborated the Scriptures, that they are all “11 Icketl,” “seducing,” “lying” spirits.
MANY POSSESSED OF DEVILS TODAY

something of his fate, led her to apply to a spirit medium. She was found to be verv ‘suscentible’ and a remarkable medium. She did nothing to e&ourage the approach of spirits; but they came all the same. They almost tormented the life out of her for a long time-how long I do not remember. They often made her get out of bed at night and nerform all sorts of erotesaue antics. She finallv drove them bff by repeating the-Lord’; Prayer on their e&y approach. ,, Your sincere friend, The same writer says:“Judge Edmonds of New York [a noted spiritist and both a clairvoyant and clairaudient medium-now deceased], has recently expressed the opinion that many so-called lunatics in asylums are only under the influence of spirits.” The Judge himself said,-‘Some fifteen cases of insanity, or rather obsession, I have been instrumental in curing. This I said to the Academy of Science, in New York.’ “The Judge has had Catholic priests, after a thorough trial of their ‘holy water and prayers,’ send [to him] their mediumistic members when wickedly disordered, to be demagnetized and released from the grasp of obsessional spirits.”
SPIRITISM REVIVING+

In a pamphlet entitled-“The Nature of Insanity; its Cause and Cure,“-by J. D. Rhymus, the author shows that in many cases insanity is merely demoniacal possession. or He says,“obsession.” “In my oz~‘lt case I know that the brain was not diseased at all; my whole nature seemed to be intensified by conflictI was completely ing emotions raging within my breast. enveloped and pervaded by thought, or in other words thought came as something impinged upon me, seeking expression by the action tbrougli nub, without being coined or-generated of my own brain, although fully conscious at the time, as I am now, that I possessed a strength within me not my own will and brain power so-called;-yet it was so blended with, and manifested through my own powers of action, that I felt great exhaustion of nerve force and mental prostration when the conditions subsided.” After detailing his own case and his release from the thraldom of evil spirits, whom he supposed to be the spirits of wicked dead men (apparently he -also was a follower of Swedenborg). he auotes a letter from a Philadelphia physician, - dated Nov. 12, 18’84, as follows:“The young lady to whom you refer in your letter is a Miss S-, who was once my patient and quite intimate in my family. Her father was a sea captain, and was lost at Her anxiety to learn sea, no one knowing when or where. [2136]

Few are aware to what extent Spiritism is now active; how it is gradually reviving. Here is an account of Dr. Peebles’ visit to Melbourne, Australia, this year, 1897. He writes to The Philadelphia Journal as follows:“Although I had come for a rest, I was immediately pressed into active service, and have been lecturing every Sunday evening either in the Masonic hall (which seats 1300) or the Lyceum (‘700), both of them being filled at times to overflowing. I have also spoken in the Unitarian and Swedenborgian churches, and the Australian (Presbyterian ) church, on vegetarianism and other reform subjects. “Several mediums speak about coming to Australia. Before leaving, let me tell you that the Melbourne press says there are already 500 mediums in the city and suburbs, while others say 200, but I see none who compare with Mrs. Freitag. and others. I cannot, conscientiously, encourage mediums to come to Australia, unless thev are absolutely first-chss test mediums. That’s what the people clamor ‘for-tests, tests, tests. Old. bald headed sniritualists. who had tests vears ago, want them renewed, and ‘so seek for’ tests instead of going :‘on to a higher plane of harmony, beauty and spiritual truth, becoming their own mediums.” Yes;- the tests, rapping, writing, table tipping, and even materialization tests are onlv the beginnings of Sniritism. and not the desired ends sought *by the siirits.” The &rd sought is possession “obsession ;” and those who by strong self-control constantly resist absolute spirit-control are used as “test mediums,” to catch others, and to exhort others, as above, to go “on to a higher plane of harmony” with lying, seducing, enslaving and demonizing spirits. An English journal called Black and White gives a detailed and illustrated account of recent apparitions at the town of Tilly-sur-Seulles, Normandy, France. It says that the apparitions are of the Virgin Mary and have continued for several months, and are thoroughly vouched for. It adds:“The appearances, which seldom or never resemble each other even to the same woyants, always either ascend from the earth, as in the case of those of the Witch of Endor, or appear gradually bit by bit, first a leg, then an arm, and so on, at a slight elevation. All this is very queer reading. “The tra?mpled field of oats, the elm irei stripped of its branches bv relic-hunters. the torn hedge nrotected bv barbed wire and decorated with statues, nict&e& rosaries,” pots of flowers and votive tapers, remain’& testify to a belief in the supernatural not less strong than it was in medieval times.” Blaclc and White, after quoting from the C~oia: du Calvados (the official organ of the Roman Catholic Bishop of the diocese), that, “Although it cannot doubt the fact of the appearances, it is inclined more and more to attribute them to diabolic interuention.” adds :“If anything, this is’ calculated to lend them still greater interest in the eves of the world which. at the end of the nineteenth century, shows itself especially ready to dabble in Satanism, crystal-gazing, astrology, theosophy, spiritualism and manic. both black and white. The chief points in favor of thii clerical decision seem to be that one vintras, who lived in an old mill. still standinn on the banks of the Seuilles, below the older village of T&, nronhesied these apparitions about the year ‘30. Vintras w& condemned as a soigerer and incarcerated at Caen by request of Pope Gregory XVI. He claimed to have been ‘inspired’ by the Archangel Michael. Curiously enough, another ‘prophet,’ claiming to be inspired by another Archangel, Gabriel, to wit,-namely Mlle. Cuedon, who has made a stir in Paris lately, and whom a certain Abbe

JULY 15. 1897

ZION’S

WATCH

TOWER

(211-213)

of her child approaching her. The editor of The Ram’s Horn declares to be ‘oossessed’ rather than ‘instired.’ nronhesied these same appar’itions at Tilly a fortnight &fore’th& began.,, and his readers are like all other nominal Christians who Satan’s motto seems to be, Anything to deceive and be- neglect the teachings of God’s Word on this subject ;-just wilder humanitv and to hinder the truth now due to them read-w for Satan’s delusions to ensnare them. from reaching &em. From an English Spiritist journal Light, Hate also the following, clipped from the Jan. 2, ‘97, issue of The Philosophical Journal (spiritualist). we quote a recent statement of a seance, as follows:Under the c.lption “l’rogressace Thought,” the editor quotes from “At a sitting which was being held one evening at the Rev. T. De Witt Talmage’s discourse of Dec. 6. ‘96, as invitation of a mother who had just lost a dearly loved son, follows : amongst other phenomena a remarkable light was seen. It was “Even Talmage has progressed from the old faith and now in the form of a beautiful radiant globe, the center of which believes in the ‘ieturn -of -the spirit to this world of ours was a bright blue of great brilliancy. it was apparently an after death. On December 6 he nreached a sermon at Washimmeasurable distance awav. the wall of the room offerinn no obstruction to those whi ‘watched it, and it remained fey ington on the ‘Celestial World,’ *showing the employment of ‘the departed’ in that state of existence. In answer to the about half an hour, when it gradually faded from their sight. “All nresent were filled with a sense of deev reverence and question : ‘What are the denarted doine now 9’ he said: ‘That veneratifk. question is more easily ar&wered tha; you might suppose, The control [i. e., the spirit -controlling the and adds:medium] explained that this was indeed the Light of Christ, who, in verification of the belief which is now very generally “ ‘Their hand has forgotten its cunning, but the spirit held. by Christians of every denomination, is g&dd;ally ap’- has faculties as far superior to four fingers and a thumb as the supernatural is superior to the human. The reason that nroaching this earth: and in fulfilment of his words. snoken God took awav their eve and their hand and their brain. iearly t”wo thousand years ago, is coming to e&al&& his was that he &ght give” them something more limber, more kingdom, the reign of universal love and brotherhood, wieldlv. more skillful. more multinliant.’ amongst us. “The control further said: I‘D>: Talmage says that the spAits, freed from the material ‘Write thus to the editor of body, are ‘more limber, more skillful,’ and ‘are at their Light, Tell him that light is coming to all men. It grows brighter day by day. This light is the Light that should old business yet,’ but with vastly improved faculties. He argues it thus:lighten all men that come into the world. Love is embodied in it. Truth is bringing it. Wisdom teaches it. Faith reveals -“ ‘Have you any idea that that affluence of faculty at death, collapsed and nerished? Whv so. when there is more it. HoDe nourishes it. Justice craves for it. Glorv attends for them to look at,* and they ha;e k;?ener appreciation of it. Peace claims it. Power waits for it. This remarkable the beautiful, and they stand amid the very looms where the light is attended by hosts of angels; by dwellers in the spheres sunsets and the rainbows and the snring mornings are woven. of the Blest; by mighty conquerors; by those whose sins, being scarlet, now shine radiant in this Light. Perfected good, “‘Are you so obtuse as to ,&pp&e that- because the perfected man, perfected light. painter drops hia easel and the sculptor his chisel, and the engraver his knife. that therefore that taste. which he was “Beautiful angels surround the medium. The Light apeniarging or intensifying for forty or fifty ykars, is entirely peared behind her: but she was pleased to know that the obliterated? &atest glory shbne when she spoke of Christ’s power. “‘These artists, or friends of art, on earth worked in Although not herself viewing the greatest glory of the Light coarse material and with imperfect brain and with frail hand. she saw it, far, far away, having a star-like radiance.” Now they have carried their art into larger liberties and into Just as at his first advent the evil spirits acknowledged wider circumferences. *Jesus, saying, ‘We know thee, who thou art.” “What have “‘They are at their old business yet, but without the we to do with thee. Jesus, thou Son of God?” and as they fatigues, without the limitations, without the hindrances of testified of the apostles,--‘“rhese be the servants of the mo& studio.’ hiah God which show unto us the wav of eternal life: so the -terr&trial “In answer to the question as to what the physicians are today, as we have seen, some of them will testify occasioially doing, since thev Dassed to ‘the bevond.’ he savs thev ‘are to the truth, commend MELLENXIAL DAWN, etc.; but it is busy-at their aid i)usiness,, and ad&: . ” ” safe to assume that it is all for a purpose; as a “bait” for “‘No sickness in heaven, but plenty of sickness OA earth, those who are interested or seeking light along these lines, plenty of wounds in the different parts of God’s dominion to to eventually lead them off into some gross darkness. Let be healed and to be medicated. Those glorious souls are us constantlv remember that these decentions will become coming down, not in lazy doctor’s gig, but with lightning +o bold, and”be apparently so backed by idvanced truth that locomotion. they will, “if it were possible, deceive the very elect.““ You cannot understand why that patient got well after Rfatt. 24 : 24-26. all the skillful doctors had said he must die. Perhans Under such circumstances there is but one safe course. Abercrombiq touched him. I should not wonder if he hid It is not to stand still with closed eyes, panic stricken: been back again to see some of his old patients. Those that will be imnossible. verv soon. It is to fullv accent of who had their joy in healing the sickness and the woes of Christ Jesus th; redeemer, the ransomer of the r&e as-your earth, gone up to heaven are come forth again for benignant Saviour and your Teacher, and to be controlled only by his medicament.’ spirit of truth expressed to man through his Word-the “Then he propounds another question, as to what all the Bible. So doing you will be kept by the power of God from departed are doing now-who in earth life were ‘busv, and all the snares of the wicked one; for the gospel is the power foind their chief ioy in doing good.’ He replies: Th”e$ are of God unto salvation to every one that [obediently] be‘going right on with the work.’ lieveth.” “ ‘John Howard visiting dungeons: tbc dcnd women of To what great dangers the people of Christendom are Northern and Southern battlefields still abroad looking for exposed we may judge when we remember that nearly all t?le wounded ; George Peabody still watching the poor ; Tlkmas are laboring under the delusion of Satan, first enunciated to Clarkson still looking after the enslaved-all of those who mother Eve in Eden,--to her deception .and fall. He then did good on earth, buiier since death than before. The tombsaid. “Ye shall not surelv die.” He has kent UD his side of stone is not the terminus, but the starting-post.’ the controversy since the& and the majorit? of &God’s people “He then concludes with this very emphatic language:believe Satan’s statement and disbelieve the Lord’s word;“ ‘To show you that your departed friends are more alive holding that no one reallv dies, but that when death apthan they were; to make you homesick for heaven; to give parenciy takes place the person is thereby made “more al&e you an enlarged view of the glories to be revealed, I have than ever.” Believing that none are reallv dead. we cannot preached this sermon.’ wonder that Christgdom totally rejects ‘the Bible doctrine “Without the slightest doubt then, Dr. Dewitt Talmage that the only hope for a future life rests in God’s promise of is a ssiritualist. a “resurrection of the DUD.” and makes nonsense of it bv He does not claim that coenomen. but he claiming that it is merely a iesurrection of the b